Simulation modelling of nectar and pollen foraging by honeybees

This paper describes a simulation model for the foraging activity of honeybees (Apis mellifera) as they collect nectar and pollen. Understanding such behaviour and observing the resulting foraging spread patterns and distribution are vital from an ecological perspective and has useful applications in areas such as agriculture or biosecurity. The simulator is based on a spatio-temporal model and implemented following a Web-based architecture. This simulation model takes into account of detailed floral distributions, weather, hours of daylight, and variations in daily nectar and pollen production by flowers. The produced simulation technology includes a user interface that allows the introduction of the simulation parameters (e.g. spatial resolution and extent, model configuration settings, visual specification of the simulation environment on the map) and receive a detailed results report. The simulation model is evaluated by performing multiple experiments and verifying the results obtained.

► A stochastic, spatio-temporal simulation model of honeybee foraging activity. ► Four underlying models: spatial, ora, weather, and foraging. ► Its implementation resulted in an interactive Web-based simulator. ► The simulation model is evaluated by verifying multiple experiments.