Relationships between hygienic and grooming behaviour in Yıgılca Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Ecotype

Abstract

The aim of the study to investigate the relationships between hygienic (HB) and grooming (GB) behaviours on Yığılca honey bee colonies which is known to have rapid colonial development before main nectar flow and mid-range resistance to Varroa destructor. The hygienic behaviour of colonies was initially evaluated with a well-tested assay utilizing pin-killed brood. Subsequently, grooming behaviour was evaluated using the natural fall of Varroa mites. It was observed, negative and positive linear correlations emerged subsequently from early spring to end of the summer. Results of the experiments showed that the correlations occur depend on seasonal periods. This is the first study in which HB and GB were evaluated for Anatolian honey bee.