Comparative pollen foraging of Africanized and European honeybees in a non-agricultural environment

Authors

Ruben Ruiz, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

5-2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Anxiu Kuang

Second Advisor

Dr. Brad C. Henry

Third Advisor

Dr. Mohammed Farooqui

Abstract

With the advent of the Africanized honeybee, ways to differentiate it from the European honeybee have been greatly sought in attempts to better understand the role of Africanized bees in pollination. Pollen collecting strategies for both honeybee subspecies have been explored in attempts to exploit their pollinating capabilities. This project examined pollen collected by honeybees from feral and managed European and Africanized colonies in a relatively isolated site. Paired European and Africanized honeybee colonies were used to obtain pollen foragers. Through acetolysis (series acidified Acetic Anhydride washings); the collected pollen from the individual foragers was treated and observed with light and scanning electron microscopes for further evaluation, and possible identification.

Comments

Copyright 2006 Ruben Ruiz. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/comparative-pollen-foraging-africanized-european/docview/304904713/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American