Natural foods and feeding habits of the African honey bee Apis mellifera adansonii Latrielle (1804) in Zaria, northern Nigeria

Abstract

A total of 28 plant species visited by the honeybee Apis
mellifera adansonii Latrielle were observed and collected from September 2006-January 2008 in Zaria, Nigeria using secateur and plant presses to cut and preserve the specimens. A digital camera was used to photograph the honeybees on plants. The plants were categorized into 15 Families with Leguminosae having 5(18%) of the Families being the largest followed by the Family Asteraceae 4(14%). About 57.1% were annuals while 42.9% were perennials. The discussion is focused on the identification of indigenous plants that produce nectar and pollen with good honey potentials in parts of northern Nigeria. It is recommended that wild plants with good honey production potentials be identified and cultivated to supplement available food sources for increased honey production.

Keywords: natural food, nectar, pollen, african honeybee, Apis
mellifera adansonii