DISTRIBUTION OF BROOD AND FOOD STORES IN COMBS OF THE HONEYBEE, APIS-MELLIFERA L

The amount and distribution of honey, pollen, and brood in combs in honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) single-chambered hives having different shapes (side walls sloping 0.degree.-40.degree.) and sizes were examined. In small hives less honey was stored in the combs per unit area than in larger hives. The shape of the hives had no effect on the amount of honey stored but in small hives bees reared proportionally more brood than in larger ones. Bees stored more honey in the upper horizontal sector of combs, irrespective of comb size and shape. Brood was reared in the lower horizontal sector of combs in hives with side walls sloping at 0.degree. and 10.degree. and in the central horizontal sector in combs of hives sloping at 20.degree. to 40.degree.. Brood was reared and more pollen stored in the central vertical sector of combs, irrespective of comb size. Honey was located at the sides of the comb, particularly in hives with side walls sloping at 0.degree. and 10.degree.. Honey was stored in cells along the top edge of the comb, irrespective of the slope of the side walls of the hive; pollen was stored along the top edge of the comb, irrespective of the slope of the side walls of the hive; pollen was stored along the sides of the comb, while the lower edge or sides of the comb was used for rearing brood.