NESTING PARAMETERS AND COMB DIMENSIONS OF THE DWARF HONEYBEE, APIS FLOREA F. AT HISAR

摘要

Nesting behaviour of Apis florea F. was studied at Hisar and adjoining localities. The studies revealed that maximum colonization 85.5% occurred on arboreal supports. Capparis sepiaria was found to be the most preferred nesting shrub. Peak colonization 37.2% was recorded during September-October at a preferred height from 2.0-3.0m and between 0-30W directions. The mean breadth and length of the comb was 27.54 and 22.16 cm, respectively. Cell brood, honey and queen dimensions have also been recorded and discussed.