Effect of Distance on the Attraction of Pollen to Honeybees in the Hive

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Abstract
Summary Experiments were made to establish the distance over which pollen in the hive could “attract” bees (elicit oriented movement in them). The bees' response to pollen declined significantly when its distance was increased from 1·0 to 1·5 cm, and even more so when it was increased to 1·5 and 2·0 cm; no further significant changes occurred until the distance was increased from 3·0 to 4·0 cm. These results relate to a 1-minute period; over a 3-minute period there was a significant decline when the distance was increased from 2 to 4 cm. Only a few bees responded at 6 and 7 cm, and none at greater distances. Behavioural aspects of the results and the significance of the findings in relation to the use of pollen in the hive are discussed. The results are related to behavioural responses of insects to chemicals whose molecules are diffused in the air. The main deduction from the findings of significance in beekeeping is that pollen in the hive is unlikely to be located and used by the bees in the brood area unless it is very close to this area.

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