Stingless bee

Stingless bees are a large group of bees, comprising the tribe Meliponini (or stingless honey bees). They belong to the family Apidae, which also includes the well-known honey bee and bumblebee. Unlike most other bees, stingless bees have evolved to the point where the females, other than the queen, are unable to sting. This has led to their common name, "stingless bees".

Biology and Behavior

Stingless bees are small to minute bees that can easily be mistaken for flies. They are less aggressive than honey bees and can be kept in close proximity to a human dwelling. They are also highly social insects, living in large colonies with a single reproductive queen, much like honey bees.

The biology and behavior of stingless bees are fascinating. They exhibit a wide range of nesting behaviors, with some species building nests in hollow trees, others in the ground, and some even in human-made structures. They also display a variety of foraging behaviors, with some species specializing in collecting pollen from specific types of flowers.

Importance to Ecosystem

Stingless bees play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They are important pollinators of many wild plants and crops. In many parts of the world, they are the primary pollinators of certain crops, making them an essential part of the agricultural system.

Stingless Bee Honey

Stingless bees produce honey, known as Meliponine honey, which is highly prized in many cultures for its unique flavor and medicinal properties. The honey is stored in large pots made of propolis and wax, and is harvested by humans in a sustainable manner.

Conservation

Stingless bees are under threat in many parts of the world due to habitat loss and the use of pesticides. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these important pollinators and ensure their survival.

See Also

• Beekeeping
• Pollinator decline
• Meliponiculture