Honeybee Foraging Strategies at a Food Source in Relation to its Distance from the Hive and the Rate of Sugar Flow

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Abstract
Summary Time spent at the food source (visit-time) and quantity of sugar solution collected during the visit (honey-sac or crop load) were measured in honeybees conditioned to visit an artificial source of sucrose solution giving a controlled rate of flow. Time spent by the bee on the foraging trip (trip-time) was estimated, and the sugar gain (weight) per trip and per minute of foraging activity. Both the proximity of the artificial food source to the hive, and a reduction in the rate of flow at the source, reduced the maximum crop load. Results are analysed in relation to the economics of foraging, and foraging strategies, of the honeybee.