Apiology

The study of honeybees...

The effects of age and behavioral development on honey bee (Apis mellifera) flight performance

A critical but seldom-studied component of life history theory is how behavior and age affect whole-organism performance. To address this issue we compared the flight performance of honey bees (whose behavioral development and age can be assessed independently via simple manipulations of colony demographics) between distinct behavioral castes (in-hive nurse bees vs outof-hive foragers) and across lifespan.

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Drone and Worker Brood Microclimates Are Regulated Differentially in Honey Bees, Apis mellifera

Honey bee (Apis mellifera) drones and workers show differences in morphology, physiology, and behavior. Because the functions of drones are more related to colony reproduction, and those of workers relate to both survival and reproduction, we hypothesize that the microclimate for worker brood is more precisely regulated than that of drone brood.

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Honeybee navigation en route to the goal: visual flight control and odometry

Recent research has uncovered a number of different ways in which bees use cues derived from optic flow for navigational purposes. The distance flown to a food source is gauged by integrating the apparent motion of the visual world that is experienced en route. In other words, bees possess a visually driven 'odometer' that is robust to variations in wind load and energy expenditure.

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How Honey Bee Colonies Survive in the Wild: Testing the Importance of Small Nests and Frequent Swarming

The ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor, and the viruses that it transmits, kill the colonies of European honey bees (Apis mellifera) kept by beekeepers unless the bees are treated with miticides.

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Quorum sensing during nest-site selection by honeybee swarms

This study addresses a question about the nestsite selection process of honeybee swarms: how do the scout bees know when to initiate the preparation for their swarm’s move to their new home?

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Catch the Buzz

General Beekeeping News...

Beekeeping in Vermont...

Peter Hadeka Talks Bees at VINS

VBA Ambassador Extraordinaire Peter Hadeka was at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Incredible Insect Festival on July 7 and reports success!

"They had a tent and table, chairs, all ready for me. I brought some props, super with new and used frames, smoker, VBA brochures, some honey, for tasting and a little to sell. I also borrowed an observation hive from Bob Davin in Hubbardton. That was a big hit for sure. Not only the kids but the adults were thrilled to see a Queen etc.

"They said that they had 450 visitors and many of them wandered around and visited my display. The weather improved so it was a delightful day for sure. (Fairly close to my set up they had a couple of presentations with live birds of prey. Many of them flying between two people. Pretty impressive display.)

The festival ran from 10 to 5. I was set up before 10 and left after 5. Never sat down the whole time."

If you are interested in helping us promote beekeeping in Vermont and the VBA please contact us.

Details: Published: 08 July 2018 08 July 2018

VBA Beekeeper of the Year - UPDATE

The Vermont Beekeeper’s Association created the Vermont Beekeeper of the Year Award to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Vermont beekeepers that support beekeeping in Vermont and have provided outstanding service to the VBA. The intent is to recognize lifetime achievement rather than contributions in a single year.

Details: Published: 05 July 2018 05 July 2018

Tunbridge Fair Volunteers Needed

VBA Volunteers are needed for the Tunbridge Fair! It isn't too early to start planning.

1 slot for Thursday - Sept 13th - 9am to 1pm
3 slots for Thursday - Sept 13th- 5pm to 9pm
1 slot for Friday - Sept 14th - 9am to 1pm
2 slots for Saturday - Sept 15th - 1pm to 5pm
2 slots for Sun- Sept 16th - 2pm to 6pm

Please email: Bob Haven directly at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (For those new to VBA this is a great way to become involved. In a short time we'll talk about how you may sell your honey at the VBA's booth at the Tunbridge Fair.)

Details: Published: 29 June 2018 29 June 2018

2018 Summer Meeting Minutes & Financials

VBA Members: The minutes and financial statement from the 2018 Summer Meeting have been posted online in the Members Only area of the VBA website. Minutes compiled by Steve Silverman with assistance from Lisa Newton.

Details: Published: 29 June 2018 29 June 2018

VBA Policies Online

A new website category can be found under the Members Only area. The Policy menu choice includes VBA organizational policy notices and statements about issues affecting beekeeping in Vermont.

The first (new) notice posted is an explanation of guidelines, criteria and priorities for donations made by the Vermont Beekeepers Association.

Details: Published: 27 June 2018 27 June 2018

VBA Now Offers Student Memberships

In an effort to encourage new beekeepers to join the Vermont Beekeepers Association, the VBA membership approved a bylaws change authorizing a new student membership category at the organization's annual meeting this past Saturday in Swanton.

Individual high school and college students are eligible for membership at the reduced rate of $5.00 per year. Students may join online or by mail to take advantage of the VBA's programs.