Spatial and temporal distribution of domestic and wild bee species in mustard with special concern of competitive displacement

AbstractMean population of Apis mellifera was slightly higher in Pusa as compared to Dholi, whereas population of Apis cerana, Apis florea and Apis dorsata were slightly higher in Dholi. Wild bee species were more abundant in Dholi due to the diverse cropping pattern and availability of forest trees. The population change was non-significant between these two places at different interval of the day and different dates. Same climatic condition was the main reason behind non-significant difference. Slight fluctuation in population of species was due to the diverse forage at both places. Population of Apis mellifera and Apis dorsata was higher during afternoon and late afternoon, respectively. Apis florea and Apis cerana were abundant during morning and late morning, respectively. Due to smaller size, Apis florea and Apis cerana got easy entry in partial opened flowers in morning which was main reason behind their abundance in morning. Population peak of bee species at different dates and time intervals was due to competitive displacement between the bee species at both the places. Influence of weather parameters on population of Apis mellifera and Apis dorsata was significant. Population of these two species increased with increase in temperature while population reduced with increasing relative humidity, whereas Apis florea and Apis cerana showed exactly opposite pattern.