Description of Disparate Responses of Two Indoor Feral Bee Colonies

Abstract

Introduction As is sometimes the case, field research does not always go according to plan. This is especially true when the research involves free-ranging animals. We recently conducted a preliminary field study that involved placing a beehive in a tent and individually releasing marked honey bees (Apis mellifera) outdoors to study their ability to locate sugar water rewards by following olfactory cues. Herein, we relay our experiences with two beehives and their disparate responses to being held in tents. We believe our observations, although anecdotal, can provide much needed guidance to researchers and beekeepers who may need to temporarily hold honey bee colonies in tents or other enclosures.