Downloads: 1
Research Paper | Entomology | Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026 | Pages: 1793 - 1799 | India
Diversity and Foraging Behavior of Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) on Hyptis Suaveolens in Abu Road, Rajasthan, India
Abstract: The present study investigates the diversity and foraging behaviour of bees associated with Hyptis suaveolens (Lamiaceae) in Abu Road tehsil of Sirohi district, Rajasthan, India. Field observations were conducted from April 2022 to June 2024 across different habitats including scrublands, agricultural fields, forest margins, and riverine areas. Standard visual observation techniques and sweep net sampling were employed to document bee diversity and visitation frequency. Microclimatic parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, and wind velocity were also recorded to analyze their influence on bee foraging activity. A total of 13 bee species belonging to eight genera and three families (Apidae, Megachilidae, and Halictidae) were recorded visiting the flowers of H. suaveolens. The family Apidae was dominant, contributing 53.85% of the total recorded species, followed by Megachilidae (30.77%) and Halictidae (15.38%). The most frequent floral visitors were Apis dorsata, Apis florea, and Amegilla zonata. Peak foraging activity was observed during morning hours (08:00-11:00 h). Seasonal variation showed the highest visitation rate in April (17 bees min-1) under moderate temperature (30 ° C), low humidity (26%), and moderate wind velocity (3.06 m s-1). Correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between temperature and foraging activity, whereas humidity and wind velocity showed negative correlations. The results highlight the ecological importance of H. suaveolens as a significant nectar source for sustaining bee diversity in semi-arid ecosystems of the Aravalli region.
Keywords: Bee diversity, Foraging behavior, Hyptis suaveolens, Pollination ecology, Abu Road, Semi-arid ecosystem
How to Cite?: Mahendra Devanda, Dr. Santosh Kumar Charan, "Diversity and Foraging Behavior of Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) on Hyptis Suaveolens in Abu Road, Rajasthan, India", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1793-1799, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26524124230, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26524124230