Foraging Behavior of Apis florea F. on Wax Apple, Syzygium samarangense and their Role in Pollination of West Bengal, India
Amit Kumar Gayen *
Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Berunanpukuria, Malikapur, Barasat, North 24 Parganas, Kolkata 700126, India.
Narayan Ghorai
Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Berunanpukuria, Malikapur, Barasat, North 24 Parganas, Kolkata 700126, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Foraging behavior of Apis florea F. on wax apple (Syzygium samarangense) was studied in arid zones of west Bengal during March 2021 to May 2022. Dwarf honey bee Apis florea F. is an important hymenopteran insect for their pollination services. Foraging behavior of Apis florea on the blooms of wax apple were assessed in different day time and in different weather conditions. Peak foraging activity of dwarf honey bee was mainly observed at 1100 hrs. and minimum foraging activity was noticed at 0600 hrs. & 1800 hrs. The present study also reported that foraging activity of Apis florea was maximum in sunny day and least in cloudy day.
Keywords: Apis florea, Syzygium samarangense, foraging behavior, weather conditions, arid zone of West Bengal