Showing papers by "Mark L. Winston published in 1981"
TL;DR: Intra-colony demography and life history characteristics of neotropical Africanized and temperate European honey bearaces were compared under simulated feral conditions and both races were similar in the brood and adult populations when colonies swarmed.
Abstract: Intra-colony demography and life history characteristics of neotropical Africanized and temperate European honey bearaces were compared under simulated feral conditions. Major differences in colony demography were found which nevertheless resulted in some similar reproductive characteristics. European colonies were larger than Africanized colonies, had more rapid initral growth rates of worker populations, showed better survivorship of brood and adult workers, and differed in patterns of worker age distribution. However, both races were similar in the brood and adult populations when colonies swarmed, the frequency and timing of swarming, and the number of workers in prime swarms. The factors most important in determining these colony growth and reproductive patterns were likely worker mortality rates, climate, and resource availability.
78 citations
TL;DR: Calculations indicate that the maximum flight range for reproductive and absconding swarms was 64 km and 131 km, respectively, which suggests that these swarms had moved relatively short distances.
Abstract: SummaryThe contribution of pre-swarming engorgement by workers to the energetics of long-distance dispersal by swarms of Africanized honeybees was examined, by measuring the volumes and concentrations of nectar from honey sacs of bees from different types of swarms. The extent of worker engorgement varied with the type of swarm; in order of decreasing volumes of honey sac contents, these were: (1) absconding swarms, (2) prime swarms, (3) afterswarms, (4) in-transit swarms, (5) colonizing swarms. Relative to body weight. Africanized honeybees carried greater weights of nectar than have been reported for European honeybees. Calculations based on our measurements of engorgement, and estimates of metabolic rates, indicate that the maximum flight range for reproductive and absconding swarms was 64 km and 131 km, respectively. Colonizing reproductive swarms were moderately engorged, which suggests that these swarms had moved relatively short distances.These observations are insufficient to account for the obser...
45 citations
TL;DR: Differences in longevity were found which were likely due to inherited differences between workers of the two races, and may provide a partial explanation for the success and impact of Africanized bees in South America and suggest that the northerly spread of these bees could be limited by worker life spans.
Abstract: Longevities of two races of honey bee workers, European and Africanized, were compared both within colonies of their own races and within colonies of the other race. Differences in longevity were found which were likely due to inherited differences between workers of the two races. The age at which workers began foraging was one factor important in determining longevity. These results may provide a partial explanation for the success and impact of Africanized bees in South America, and also suggest that the northerly spread of these bees could be limited by worker life spans.
45 citations
4 citations