![]() For these reasons, many of the races of honey bees from Africa are highly defensive of their colonies and have behavioral adaptations for dealing with predator and parasite pressure. Also, predators and hive pests remain active throughout the entire year. Most of the continent experiences extended dry periods where food resources are extremely limited. Because most of Africa lies within the tropics, seasons are distinguished more by the amount of rainfall than by temperature. There are at least ten recognized subspecies of honey bees from the African continent. Main geographic races of Apis mellifera Adapted from LeConte (2008) The same defensive behavior is common among races that must endure harsh climates and significant predator and pest pressure, which is especially true for many of the races of African honey bees. They collect and store large quantities of provisions (honey and pollen) to outlast the winter and are very defensive of their colonies because their survival depends on protecting those resources. artemisia) honey bees must deal with long, harsh winters. Other races of honey bees have adapted to more harsh conditions. Due to their mild manner, Italian and Carniolan bees dominate the managed bee population in the United States. These races occur where climates are mild, food resources are plentiful much of the year, and pest/predator/parasite pressure is minimal. Some honey bee races are known for being gentle and easy to manage, such as the Italian ( Apis mellifera ligustica) and Carniolan (A. ![]() Even though these races have unique behaviors and characteristics, they are the same species and can breed with each other. These local climates and ecosystems have influenced the evolution of local honey bee populations and have resulted in the development of approximately two dozen different races (subspecies) of western honey bees, each with specific behaviors and physical characteristics adapted to the conditions of its home range. ![]() Further east and south in Africa, the land is dominated by grassy savannahs with seasons divided more by the amount of rainfall than by temperature. Northern Africa and the middle east are mostly hot and dry deserts with sparse vegetation, while central Africa is dominated by tropical rain forests. Southern Europe has a very mild climate because of the influence of the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Northern Europe and western Asia are mostly temperate and forested with very distinct seasons and cold winters. ![]() Because western honey bees occupy such a vast range, local populations are exposed to many different climates and ecosystems. ![]()
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