Temperatura intera en colmenas de apis mellifera localizadas en Lujan de Cuyo, Provincia de Mendoza

Abstract

This study assessed internal temperature regulation in package-based colonies housed in nucleus hives made in wood and EPS. In late winter of 2023, five Apis mellifera ligustica hybrid colonies from packages were installed in respective nucleus hive in an experimental station (Mendoza, Argentina). The internal temperature, flight activity and sealed brood area were measured. During 13 days the mean daily internal temperature was lower in nW (31.9°C) than in nEPS (33.8°C), with greater daily thermal amplitude in nW (2.8 °C) compared to nEPS (1.8 °C). Sealed brood area tended to be smaller in nW (2,717cm²) than in nEPS (3,275 cm²). Pollen foraging activity did not differ significantly between groups. These results suggest that EPS nucleus hives provide greater thermal stability in package-based colonies. The discussion addresses how temperature dynamics reflect colony status and its role as an indicator of population growth under the package technique.