Analysis of comb-gnawing behavior in Apis cerana cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae).
J Insect Sci
; 24(1)2024 Jan 01.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38417131
ABSTRACT
Apis cerana cerana exhibits a prominent biological trait known as comb gnawing. In this study, gnawed combs from colonies during different seasons were collected, investigating the comb age and locations of gnawing. Patterns of comb gnawing were recorded, and the effects of 2 factors, namely, comb type and season, on the mass of wax residues and the gnawed surface area were measured. The results revealed that A. c. cerana predominantly gnaws combs that have been used for over 6 months, with gnawing concentrated in the brood-rearing area. In the first 3 seasons, significantly higher masses of wax residues and larger gnawed surface areas were found in greater wax moth larvae (GWML)-infested combs compared to newly built and old combs. Also, there were significantly higher masses and areas gnawed by A. c. cerana in old combs compared to newly built combs in all 4 seasons. Compared to other seasons, it exhibited significantly higher masses and areas resulting from comb-gnawing in newly built or old combs in winter. However, there were no significant differences in the masses of wax residues and surface areas gnawed in GWML-infested combs across the first 3 seasons. In conclusion, this study documented the impact of comb type and season on the comb-gnawing behavior of A. c. cerana, contributing to beekeeping management practices and the current understanding of bee biology.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Hymenoptera
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
J Insect Sci
/
J. insect sci
/
Journal of insect science
Journal subject:
BIOLOGIA
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Country of publication: