Research library

The prediction of swarming in honeybee colonies using vibrational spectra

Michael-Thomas Ramsey1, Martin Bencsik1 ✉, Michael Ian Newton1, Maritza Reyes2, Maryline Pioz2, Didier Crauser2, Noa Simon Delso3 & Yves Le Conte2 In this work, we disclose a non-invasive method for the monitoring and predicting of the swarming process within honeybee colonies, using vibro-acoustic information. Two machine learning algorithms are presented for the prediction of swarming, based on vibration data recorded using accelerometers placed in the heart of honeybee hives. Both algorithms successfully discriminate between colonies intending and not intending to swarm with a high degree of accuracy, over 90% for each method, with successful swarming prediction up to 30 days prior to the event. We show that instantaneous vibrational spectra predict the swarming within the swarming season only, and that this limitation can be lifted provided that the history of the evolution of the spectra is accounted for.