Pollen collection and infestation by the mite Varroa jacobsoni in colonies of Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

During 12 months, the pollen collection activity and the amount of pollen earned by worker daughters of africanized queens and worker daughters of Italian queens were observed. In both evaluations no significant differences between the analyzed bees was perceived. The infestation rates of the mite Varroa jacobsoni on adult bees and on pupae combs of Africanized and Italian bees were low and no significant difference was observed between the infestation rates of the analyzed bees.