1Desert Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Jodhpur - 342 005, Rajasthan, India
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar - 190 025, Jammu and Kashmir, India
*Corresponding authors’ E-mail : ishfaqskuast@gmail.com
Online Published on 24 December, 2025.
This study presents the first documented evidence of the early winter foraging behaviour by Bombus albopleuralis Friese, 1916 on Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. at the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir India. Field observations conducted during October 2024 revealed intense foraging activity by B. albopleuralis on loquat flowers collecting both nectar and pollen. The species exhibited a mean foraging speed of 05.48±0.42 sec/flowers and a foraging rate of 07.13±0.36 flowers/min respectively, with peak activity occurring between 11:30 am and 14:30 pm hrs. Photographic evidences are provided indicating the ecological importance of loquat as a key early winter- blooming species, offering vital nutritional resources during a period of floral scarcity, supporting bumble survival and late season reproductive activity.
Bombus albopleuralis, Eriobotrya japonica, Floral reward, Foraging, Kashmir, Pollination
