Nectar and pollen source for honeybees.
As a rule of thumb the foraging area around a beehive extends for two miles (3.2 km). Although bees have been observed foraging twice and three times this distance from the hive.
The minimum temperature for active honeybee foraging is approximately 55 F (13 C). There are differences in the races of the Western honeybee as to what temperature they will start foraging.
The main nectar source and main pollen source differ widely with the latitude, region, season and type of vegetation. Bees are able to communicate direction and distance of a food source by means of the round dance, waggle dance and shaking signals.
In addition to nectar and pollen, honeybees forage for a honeydew source in certain coniferous trees and on oaks.
