Stingless bees are highly social insects which populated the tropical earth 65 million years ago and have been around much longer than honey bees. They are limited to the tropics and subtropics, lack a venom apparatus and cannot sting. Impacts of anthropogenic influences on honey bees have already been reported. Recent studies also showed that the nesting behaviour of Trigona iridipennis Smith in its natural habitat also varies due to interaction, pheromones and environmental stimulus.
Little is reported so far about the various natural and domesticated nesting of the Trigona iridipennis Smith in Kerala. Based on thise background, our objectives of this study were to 1) to characterize the Meliponiculture 2) to identify the various natural habitats and domestication materials for nest construction and different types of nests used across Kerala. Various beekeeping methods preferred by farmers across Kerala for the cultivation of Trigona iridipennis Smith. Each nest has its own advantage and disadvantage.
During the survey, the most preferred ones were wooden box. Even then according to the easy availability and production cost different nests like earthen pot, bamboo nodes, coconut shell, PVC pipes etc were used. The most preferred natural nesting sites by Trigona iridipennis Smith were mud/stone walls in our study. Being a social insect, Trigona iridipennis Smith shows great diversity in nesting pattern in natural habitats as well as anthropogenic habitats. The shift towards anthropogenic habitats than natural ones may be due to destruction of natural habitats as well as the availability of manmade habitats.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Hypothesis
3. Materials and Methods
3.1 Study area
3.2 Study design and data collection
3.3 Statistical analysis
4. Results
4.1 Nest architecture and characteristics
4.2 Anthropogenic habitats
4.3 Domesticated habitats
4.4 Different types of nests
5. Discussion
6. Conclusions
Research Objectives and Topics
The research focuses on the stingless bee species Trigona iridipennis Smith in Kerala, aiming to characterize meliponiculture practices, identify natural and domesticated nesting habitats, and evaluate the types of nests utilized by farmers to optimize beekeeping efforts.
- Documentation of nesting behavior and architectural characteristics of Trigona iridipennis Smith.
- Analysis of natural nesting sites including tree trunks, wall cavities, and anthropogenic structures.
- Evaluation of various domestication materials such as bamboo, earthen pots, and wooden boxes.
- Assessment of current meliponiculture techniques and their feasibility for local honey production.
- Examination of environmental and anthropogenic factors influencing habitat selection.
Excerpt from the Book
4.1.1 Entrance tube
The stingless bee nest is always characterized by a nest cavity, typically provided with a very narrow opening facilitating defence (Kolmes and Sommeijer, 1992). The simplest stingless bee nest entrance protrudes slightly from the base of the entrance hole. Nest entrance is related to defence and foraging (Biesmeijer et al., 2005). It is made up of cerumen, a mixture of wax and resin. In addition to wax and resin foreign materials like grease, smoke particles, fibres, mud, dust particles etc may be seen on the entrance tube. In few colonies workers found to deposit particles of “Oil Mace” on the entrance tube. The length and width of the tube vary according to the strength of the colony and the location of the nest. There is no direct relation between the length of the tube and the age of the colony. The length of the entrance tube varies from 1.2 to 11 cm. The diameter of the entrance tube ranges from 0.7 to 2.4 cm. The wall of the tube is thin and fragile. The entrance tubes are usually directed downwards, but at our surprise one of the entrance tube was found directed upwards. The number of guard bees at the entrance varies according to the strength of the colony.
Entrance tube were absent in some colonies. The number of guard bees at entrance varies from two to sixteen. The shape of the entrance may be slit like, circular, oval or funnel like. Around the entrance tube resin deposit is found in some colonies. This deposit may be in definite patterns like concentric rings or may be irregular. The shape, size and direction of the entrance tube vary according to the nest site conditions. Outer surface of the entrance tube is usually rough and the inner surface is smooth. The recently built apical part of the entrance tube is softer and usually slightly sticky. Usually a single entrance is present at the tip of the entrance tube.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides an overview of stingless bees, their ecological importance, and the specific context of Trigona iridipennis Smith in Kerala.
2. Hypothesis: Outlines the core research assumptions regarding the variability of nesting behavior and the methods used by farmers in Kerala.
3. Materials and Methods: Describes the study area, data collection processes across multiple districts, and the statistical methodologies applied.
4. Results: Details the findings on nest architecture, entrance tube characteristics, resin usage, waste management, and the comparative analysis of various nesting habitats.
5. Discussion: Interprets the findings regarding colony adaptation to natural and anthropogenic environments and the socioeconomic relevance of meliponiculture.
6. Conclusions: Summarizes the research outcomes and emphasizes the importance of understanding nesting patterns for the future of beekeeping in the region.
Keywords
Trigona iridipennis Smith, Meliponiculture, Stingless bees, Anthropogenic habitats, Entrance tube, Nest architecture, Kerala, Beekeeping, Propolis, Cerumen, Biodiversity, Ecological adaptation, Dammer bees, Nesting behavior, Sustainable agriculture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The work focuses on the stingless bee Trigona iridipennis Smith, specifically examining its nesting behavior, habitat preferences, and the current status of meliponiculture in Kerala, India.
What are the central themes discussed in the book?
The central themes include the architectural complexity of stingless bee nests, the impact of anthropogenic changes on their habitat, and practical beekeeping methods for local farmers.
What is the main objective of this study?
The objectives are to characterize current meliponiculture practices, identify various natural and domesticated habitats for nest construction, and analyze the different types of nests used across the Kerala region.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The study utilized a combination of field surveys, observational interviews with 120 farmers, and descriptive statistical analysis using SPSS software to correlate findings from 21 different locations.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers detailed architectural observations (nest entrance, internal tunnels, waste management, food storage), habitat classification (natural vs. anthropogenic), and practical guidelines for different hive types.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Trigona iridipennis, meliponiculture, nest architecture, anthropogenic habitats, and stingless bee conservation.
How do stingless bees protect their nests?
They utilize entrance tubes made of cerumen (a mix of wax and resin), often decorated with various materials to deter predators, and create specialized internal structures for defense.
What are the most common domesticated habitats mentioned?
Common domesticated habitats include wooden boxes, bamboo nodes, coconut shells, earthen pots, and PVC pipes, each offering different advantages for honey extraction and colony maintenance.
Why do these bees show a preference for anthropogenic habitats?
The study suggests a shift toward human-made environments likely due to the widespread destruction of natural forest habitats and the relative accessibility and suitability of manmade structures.
- Citar trabajo
- Prem Jose Vazhacharickal (Autor), Sajan Jose K. (Autor), 2016, Nesting behavior and habitats of the stingless bee Trigona iridipennis Smith in Kerala, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/347113
