Colony Development

Many factors influence colony development, such as climate, nectar flow conditions, genetic predispositions, pathogens, apiary management, and so on. These factors are constantly changing. This is why colony development is a highly dynamic and complex process.

What measures do beekeepers take, and which environmental factors have a decisive influence on the number of bees in a colony? Can beekeepers influence colony development through stimulatory feeding? Are there significant differences in development among genetic lines? These and similar questions are addressed in the brochure “Colony Development in Honey Bees.”

To determine the effect of certain factors on colony development, we have developed a colony size assessment tool that is currently used as a research standard worldwide.

However, this highly accurate tool is not reserved for scientific use alone. By assessing the strength of 2 to 3 colonies every three weeks during a beekeeping season, beekeepers can gain insights into the colony’s progress. This assessment can serve as the foundation for effective apiary management.

• Estimating Colony Size

  

  There are an average of about 130 bees per dm² of occupied comb surface. However, if all the bees have their heads in the cells, the number can be as high as 400. This should be taken into account when making an estimate.

  • The entire comb, including the comb legs, is densely covered with a layer of bees:
    1400 bees
  • The comb is only partially occupied by bees:
    Mentally push the bees together and estimate what proportion of the comb they occupy (e.g., half the comb), then calculate the corresponding number of bees (e.g., 700).
  • Bees are with their heads in the cells:
    Estimate how many dm² are occupied in this way and multiply that by 400.

  With this online exercise, you can test how well you can estimate the number of adult bees in a hive. The estimate is rounded to the nearest 50 bees. The goal is to achieve a margin of error of 5 to 10%. The bees in the photos were counted individually to provide the correct answer.

• Estimate Bees Online - Dadant

• Estimate Bees Online - CH Mass

• Interactions with Wild Bees

  Honeybees are often viewed as a factor influencing wild bee populations. Given the growing significance of this issue and its impact on beekeeping, pollination, and biodiversity, we have launched a research project. This project, funded by the SNF, is a collaboration between Agroscope, FiBL, the University of Bern, Infofauna, and the Karlsruhe Natural History Museum. The following diagram illustrates the project’s structure and topics. The research modules are closely linked to a sociological approach in order to involve stakeholders and develop practical solutions that can reduce potential competition and the transmission of pathogens. Our vision is outlined in the following two articles: