ABSTRACT 

Observations of Apis mellifera foraging at sapsucker drill holes were made during February 1988 in southwestern Virginia. Foraging bouts were dependent upon tem­ perature; more bees visited drill holes when ambient temperatures exceeded 10° C. Honeybees did not feed directly at drill holes but collected congealed sap from bark surfaces.

In summary, sapsucker drill holes offer a unique carbohydrate source for over­ wintering honeybees. Use of this resource is, however, subject to the vagaries of the winter climate. Conditions favorable for winter foraging by honeybees, particularly ambient temperatures above 10° C, may occur on few winter days depending on the region.

Charles E. Williams Late Winter Foraging by Honeybees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) at Sapsucker Drill Holes
The Great Lakes Entomologist Volume 23 Number 1 - Spring 1990

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