Impact of hive configuration on internal temperature and pollen foraging in a semi-arid region

Abstract

The health of honey bee colonies is under threat from numerous factors, particularly thermal events intensified by climate change. In specific regions, beekeeping is undergoing continuous adaptation to enhance productivity and align with local environmental characteristics. An alternative technique to the traditional Langstroth hive (SH) is the stacked nucs method (NH), which involves managing colonies in a smaller space than the standard 10-frame hive. In the presence of immature stages, internal temperature must be adequately controlled by workers hence the description of thermal dynamics would facilitate understanding the development of colonies with different beekeeping methodologies. In an apiary located in Mendoza (32° 41’ 05.3” S, 68° 39’ 22.4” W) the internal temperature of the brood area and lateral wall in the hives were monitored during the season of honey production. We describe the frequency of exposition to non-optimal temperature range for brood and flight activity of pollen collection. The mean of internal temperature in SH was 33.2 °C and 34.1 °C in NH. The thermal range was between 2.4 and 3.1 °C in the brood area, being significantly elevated in the colony forma- tion period. The lateral temperature values showed the exposure to thermal extremes indicating overheating in hives with reduced space. Pollen foraging was similar with a decrease in activity as noon approached in both types of hives. The temperature above or below the optimal range was discussed according to the hourly pattern, heat waves, and seasonal schedule by the beekeeper’s management in a semi-arid region.