Nurse bees regulate the larval nutrition of developing workers (Apis mellifera) when feeding ...

Summary

The article investigates how different pollen sources affect the development of honey bees (Apis mellifera), focusing on larval growth with respect to nutrition. It examines the impact of pollen from marri, jarrah, clover, and canola on bee development in Western Australian beekeeping. The study finds no significant difference in body composition or weight of emerging bees across pollen types, suggesting pollen availability may be more crucial than composition, provided essential nutrients are accessible. This research is relevant to entomology, specifically in the fields of beekeeping, pollination, and the dietary importance of pollen forage for honey bees.