Optimal Foraging: On Flower Selection by Bees

Abstract

A model based on the assumption that bees are efficient foragers is presented that predicts the visitation frequency of bees foraging at two randomly patterned flower types. The important parameters of the model considered are the densities, the relative caloric values, and the handling times of the alternative flower types. The predictions of the model are tested by observing the behavior of 41 honeybees foraging at seven different 1.22 x 1.22 m (1.5 m2) patches of artificial "flowers." The densities of the two flower types were equal and held constant at the patches, and the relative caloric values were varied. The observed foraging behavior of the bees is used to reject the model as originally stated. It is believed that heterogeneity among the bees accounted for the rejection. The foraging strategies of individual bees remain stationary over successive foraging bouts. When a variance component to the foraging behavior is added to the model the results are consistent with the predictions.