Queen bee status indicator

Abstract

This provides an indicator for checking the condition of the queen bee in beekeeping without opening the hive. [Solution] The queen bee status indicator comprises a main body attached to the side wall of the beehive and a display unit that changes color or shape in response to the presence of a queen bee. Inside the main body 1 is an adsorption layer 3 that adsorbs odor components including pheromones derived from the queen bee, and the display unit provided on the main body displays the queen bee's status by changing color or appearing a pattern according to the adsorption state, thereby providing visual information from the outside.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an indicator for visually determining the presence or absence, survival status of the queen bee, and the activity level inside the hive without opening the hive box in beekeeping.

Background Art

[0002] In conventional beekeeping operations, in order to check the survival, egg-laying status of the queen bee, and the strength of the colony, the operation of "internal inspection" of regularly opening the lid of the hive box and pulling out the honeycomb board inside was essential.

[0003] However, frequent internal inspections cause a great deal of stress to the honeybees, resulting in temporary cessation of egg-laying or increased aggression. Also, the task of lifting the heavy honeycomb board is physically burdensome for beekeepers.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] ' The indicator for determining the queen bee state of the present invention includes a main body attached to the side wall of the hive box and a display unit that changes color or shape in response to the presence of the queen bee.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention was made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an indicator that can easily check the state of the queen bee without opening the hive box.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to manage at an appropriate timing without causing stress to the honeybees and significantly reducing the labor of beekeepers.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] It is a front view of the indicator of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing the indicator's response. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the installation inside the beehive. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] As shown in Figure 1, the queen bee status confirmation indicator 1 according to this embodiment includes an adsorption layer 3 that adsorbs odor components, including pheromones derived from the queen bee, and a display layer 2 that shows a visual change in state according to the adsorption state, all within the indicator body 1. The adsorption layer 3 is made of activated carbon, nonwoven fabric, or a porous material containing these, and is arranged so that air from inside the beehive can pass through it. The display layer 2 indicates the state by a change in color or the appearance of a pattern, depending on the presence or amount of odor components adsorbed by the adsorption layer 3. The indicator 1 is detachably placed near the entrance of the beehive, at the entrance to the hive, or immediately inside the beehive, allowing the beekeeper to visually check the display layer 2 from the outside without leaving the beehive open for an extended period of time. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0009] 1. Indicator unit 2 Display section 3 Adsorption layer 4. Protective layer (breathable)

Claims

1. A beekeeping indicator for confirming the presence of a queen bee in a bee colony, characterized in that it is placed on the air moving from inside to outside the hive or on the bee's passage path, and changes in state in response to the presence or concentration of odor components including pheromones derived from the queen bee, and that the beekeeping indicator is configured to allow the beekeeper to visually observe the change in state from the outside.

2. The beekeeping indicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the indicator is placed at the entrance of the hive, at the entrance of the hive intended to determine the absence of the queen bee, or immediately inside the hive.

3. The beekeeping indicator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the aforementioned change in state is represented by a change in color tone, the appearance or disappearance of a pattern, a change in shape, a change in physical properties, a symbolic representation, or a combination thereof.

4. The beekeeping indicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the indicator is configured to be replaced after a certain period of use, or configured to be disposable.

5. The beekeeping indicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the indicator comprises a retaining member that is detachably held in place at the beehive or the entrance of the hive.

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