• V. Dharani
• S.Venkatalakshmi

Honeybee foraging behavior is highly influenced by environmental conditions, particularly temperature, humidity, and time of a day. This study examined the daily and weekly patterns of honeybee activity, with observations conducted during (6-8 AM), afternoon (12-2 PM), and evening (4-6 PM) periods. Results showed that the highest foraging activity occurred in the morning, when temperatures ranged between 28-29℃ and humidity remained around 74%, suggesting these conditions are optimal for energy-efficient foraging. Conversely, activity significantly declined during the afternoon due to elevated temperatures exceeding 32℃ and lower humidity (<70%), indicating environmental stress and avoidance of harsh conditions. Evening observation revealed a moderated rebound in activity, demonstrating the bees capacity to adapt to less extreme conditions as the day progresses. Internal hive measurements indicated effective thermoregulation, with temperatures consistently higher than ambient levels, while internal humidity gradually decreased over successive weeks, reflecting moisture consumption for brood care and the colony’s stress responses. A strong positive correlation between bees entering and exiting the hive was observed, suggesting efficient foraging coordination and colony-level organization. Week 2 recorded the highest overall activity, likely due to favorable weather conditions and abundant floral resources. Collectively, these findings highlight the close alignment between honeybee behavior and environmental factors, demonstrating adaptive strategies to optimize foraging efficiency while maintain hive homeostasis. Understanding these behavioral patterns provides valuable insights for ecological studies and effective colony management under varying climatic conditions.

Colony activity, Environmental adaptation, Foraging behavior, Honeybee, Humidity, Thermoregulation.

"Investigating the effects of environmental factors on foraging activity in Apis cerana indica ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 10, page no.e533-e545, October-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2510466.pdf

"Investigating the effects of environmental factors on foraging activity in Apis cerana indica ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 10, page no. ppe533-e545, October-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2510466.pdf