Journal of Environmental Biology

Seasonal activity of Bombus terrestris L. in east Mediterranean region, Turkey

Mahmut Murat Aslan

Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras - 460 60, Turkey

(Received: November 06, 2006 ; Revised received: May 20, 2007 ; Accepted: July 10, 2007)

Abstract: Bumblebees have economical importance in most of wild and cultivated plants. They can be abundant in suitable habitats and have a broad flower choice. Bombus terrestris was collected at intervals during 2002 and 2003 from various flora and ecosystems of east Mediterranean region of Turkey. In this study, plants visited by Bombus terrestris, seasonal activities, distribution and altitudes were determined. Bombus terrestris have been seen throughout Turkey in a wide range of habitats from sea level to 1560 m altitude within all the major native vegetation types. Prevalence of queens, workers and males of Bombus terrestris differed due to altitude. More frequently observed at 0-600 m, declining above 600 m in relation to general climate requirements.

Key words: Bombus terrestris, Bombirae, Seasonal activity, Host plant, Altitude

PDF of full length paper is available with author (aslan@ksu.edu.tr)

 

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