Comportamento forrageiro das abelhas (Apis mellífera S.) em algaroba na Fazenda Escola do IFRN, Campus Ipanguaçu/RN

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the foraging behavior of Apis mellifera bees in the apiary of the IFRN Campus Ipanguaçu/RN, observing both the frequency and times at which they collect resources such as nectar and pollen. The research was conducted through systematic observations of the workers throughout the day, taking environmental factors into account. The results indicated that collecting activity is most intense in the early hours of the morning at 07:30 and in the late afternoon at 16:10, with variations depending on climatic conditions and the availability of floral resources. It was also possible to identify a preference by the bees for certain food sources, recording the number of entrances loaded with pollen and nectar, which is directly linked to the specific needs of the colony. Analyzing this behavior is essential for efficient apiary management, allowing for strategies that promote both productivity and bee welfare. An example of this would be pollination in the Prosopis Juliflora algarobeira species that predominates in the area studied where the apiary is located. This work contributes to sustainable beekeeping practices and supports efforts to preserve these important pollinators.