Quantity and Seasonal Variation of Pollen Types Collected by Honey Bees at Two Localities on the Island of Hawaii

Abstract

Monthly pollen pellet samples were collected from honey bee hives located at Hakalau and Volcano, Hawaii island, along with rainfall data for each site. The total amount of pollen collected at Hakalau ranged from a low of 61.0 g in December 1986 to a high of 469.4 g in October 1987. At Volcano, the largest amount of pollen was collected in September 1987 (711.5 g), and the least in May 1987 (33.0 g). There appeared to be no relationship between rainfall and the amounts of pollen collected. Many pollen types were collected seasonally while other types were collected year round. The monthly pollen samples were usually a composite of many pollen types, including 1-4 dominant types.