Env Exp Biol (2012) 10: 133–138

Tolerance of two honey bee races to various temperature and relative humidity gradients

Abstract

There are various factors that can have an effect on honey bee colonies. Temperature and relative humidity, in particularly, have special importance for honey bee colonies. Relatively few studies have been conducted on the effects of temperature and relative humidity on honey bee races. Here, the effects of different levels of temperature and relative humidity on survival, tolerance and body water loss were investigated on two races, one adapted to harsh conditions (Yemeni honey bees) and the other adapted to normal conditions (Carniolan honey bees). Results showed that temperature had higher effect than relative humidity on workers survival and Yemeni honey bees were more tolerant to elevated temperature than Carniolan honey bees. Moreover, rates of body water loss for the two races were high under elevated temperature and low humidity conditions. In general, the response of the two races in the studied treatments was somewhat similar. However, under extreme conditions at elevated temperature or low humidity, Yemeni honey bees showed higher tolerance than Carniolan honey bees.