Thermoregulation and stored resources inside the colonies
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Abstract
Thermoregulation of the nest of bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) is essential for the development of the offspring, and in their performance as adult bees during exploration activities and search for sources of nectar and pollen. This contributes to the local adaptation of bees by counteracting increasing environmental and anthropogenic selective pressures. Taking into account that the environmental temperature has had a tendency to increase due to the effects of climate change, the minimum, average and maximum temperature inside two hives composed of two rises was quantified during the period from June 2022 to January 2023. One hive settled for 10 frames in both bodies, while the other with 9 frames. Additionally, the number of cells with pollen, honey and brood was quantified. The temperature values by months, hives and supers were compared with a significance value of p<0.001. In a similar way, p<0.05 was carried out for the resources stored in the hive. Less variation in the minimum temperature was recorded in the hive with 10 frames. The comparison between the increases of both hives showed significant differences mainly in the months of July, September, November and December. Despite this, the internal temperature remained in the range conducive to the development of the offspring. The number of cells with brood and pollen was greater in the hive with 10 frames, while the number of cells with honey was greater in the hive with 9 frames. In general, a greater number of cells with brood were obtained in the lower rise of both hives, while pollen and honey were mainly recorded in the upper rise.
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