Time of drone flight of Apis laboriosa Smith in Nepal

Abstract - Drones of Apis laboriosa were found to fly in the early afternoon between 12.20 h and 14.20 h in Nepal. These flights were not associated with either cleansing flights or orientation flights. Weather conditions during the observation period did not permit flight in the late afternoon or evening. It is suggested that the time of drone flight may serve as an isolating mechanism between the closely related A laboriosa and A dorsata; however, additional data are required.