PC BEEPOP: A Microcomputer Model of the Population Dynamics and Economics of Honey Bee Colonies

Abstract

An interactive program called PC BEEPOP for IBM-compatible personal computers is described. It combines a simulation model, expert system, and chemical toxicity database. It can be used on any IBM-compatible computer with a hard disk, 640K of available memory, and a graphics adapter card. A colour monitor, mouse input device, and 12 MHz or faster computer are recommended. No software other than DOS 3.0 or later is required to run the program. Pull-down menus facilitate the entry of initial honey bee colony size and age structure, foraging profiles, and factors that influence rates of emergence, lifespan and mortality. Default values are provided for all input parameters. Single-line HELP notes indicate appropriate ranges for all inputs, and full-screen HELP messages explain the relevance of each menu selection to bee biology and toxicology. PC BEEPOP provides daily estimates of colony size and age composition as well as the amounts of pollen and nectar gathered, consumed, and stored by the colony.