What is the term used for bees gathering resources from non-recruited floral sources?

The term for bees gathering resources from non-recruited floral sources is foraging. Foraging refers to the behavior of bees as they search for and collect nectar, pollen, or water from flowers that have not been specifically indicated to them by other forager bees. This is a normal part of a bee's life cycle and is essential for the survival of the colony, as it allows for diversity in resource gathering.

Foraging behaviors can include exploring new floral sources that may not rely on the communication of other bees, making it an important aspect of how bees maintain their foraging efficiency and respond to environmental changes. In contrast to robbing, which entails stealing resources from another colony, foraging emphasizes the bees' active search for food sources. Understanding foraging is crucial for beekeepers and those studying bee behavior as it highlights the bees' adaptability and resourcefulness.