BEEAMATE : a honeybee colony genetics model

BEEAMATE is a computer model that simulates the genetic composition of a honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colony, and determines the number of individuals carrying particular combinations of alleles at any time (t). Determination of a colony's genetic composition is made as a function of the genotype of the queen and the drones with which she mates. BEEAMATE is constructed to be a module to a larger honey bee colony population model (BEEPOP). Population size is predicted by the BEEPOP model, and is divided into subpopulations with different genotypes by BEEAMATE. Simulations were conducted to determine the number of brood cycles needed to change the genetic composition of a colony depending upon the time of year during which the queen is introduced, weather conditions, and the size and genetic composition of the initial colony population.