Bee Activity Research Articles

INFLUENCE OF BEE FEEDING WITH SOY PEPTON ON THE INTENSITY OF BREEDING GROWING IN THE CONDITIONS OF POLLINATION OF GREENHOUSES

Expansion of areas for crops of entomophytic crops, including vegetables in closed soil conditions requires an increase in the number of bee colonies and increase the efficiency of pollination. It is known that the intensity of bee pollination of entomophytic crops significantly depends on the strength of bee colonies, in particular, on the number of bees in it. It has been proved that the creation of strong bee families is impossible without full-fledged feeding of bees, which is not always possible to organize, especially in closed soil conditions. Under such conditions, the vital activity of bees is disrupted, which negatively affects the efficiency of pollination of entomophytic greenhouse crops. It is proved that keeping bee colonies in closed soil leads to a sharp decrease in dry matter, amino acids and proteins. At the same time, it is necessary to note a sharp decline in the development and strength of bee colonies. The results of the research showed a certain efficiency of using soy flour after its preliminary fermentation. In particular, feeding bee colonies with soy peptone in powdered sugar increased the growth of brood by 31.6% compared to their counterparts, which included soy flour in the feed additive. Bee colonies that were not fed protein substitutes raised less brood compared to their counterparts in the first and second experimental groups, 1.1% and 29.7%, respectively. At the same time, it should be noted that keeping bee colonies in closed soil conditions significantly reduced the number of brood grown in all experimental groups. However, the lowest intensity of reduction was in bee colonies fed a feed mixture containing soy peptone. There is a certain effect of feeding bee colonies with protein substitutes in the closed soil on the chemical composition of their body: to increase the content of protein, fat, ash, calcium and phosphorus. Key words: bee colonies, development, brood, closed soils, protein, fat, ash, soy flour, soy peptone.

Floral abundance and bee density affect species-specific foraging patterns of alpine bumble bees

In response to the qualitative and quantitative changes in floral resources, bumble bees flexibly forage multiple plant species throughout the growing season. During the short summer in an alpine ecosystem, the activity of worker bees is maximized in the middle of the season, when the competition for floral resources may be intense. We predicted that the foraging patterns of bumble bees are affected by both relative floral abundance and interactions between bumble bee species. We recorded the floral abundance of individual plant species and the foraging frequency of bumble bees in an alpine meadow during the major flowering period over 3 years. Two bumble bee species were common during the major flowering period. Although they tended to visit abundant floral species, the shorter-tongued species (Bombus hypocrita) showed a more diverse and flexible floral choice than the longer-tongued species (Bombus beaticola). The degree of floral use overlap between two bumble bee species tended to decrease when the foraging density of the longer-tongued species was high. These results indicated that multiple bumble bee species are able to coexist when certain bee species can flexibly change targeting flowers in response to the temporal variations in flowering species and the density of competing bee species. The extent of foraging flexibility is related to the morphological traits of bee species and availability of floral resources.

Вплив структури гнізда і віку бджолиної матки на заготівлю бджолами білкового корму

Goal. To study the influence of the structure of the bee family nest and the age of the bee queen on the flight-collecting activity of bees during the preparation of protein feed. Methods. Laboratory, zootechnical (strength of the bee family) and statistical (mathematical processing). Results. The position on the relationship between the entry of pollination into the bee family and the different age of the brood and the age of the bee queen is substantiated. The age of the bee queen, open brood and indicators of bee pollination activity are directly related: the younger the bee queen and the greater the number of open brood, the higher the harvesting activity, the more bee pollen is collected. Conclusions. Increased collection of bee pollen is provided by the use of queen bees in bee colonies for no more than two bee-keeping seasons. Timely change of queen bees, as well as building and maintaining the strength of bee colonies are the main zootechnical measures to maintain optimal life of bees and get the maximum amount of products from them. Bee queens should not be changed or replaced during honey collection or harvesting. It is better to replace the queen bees before the main honey harvest so that the bee colony already has a fertile bee queen before it starts. Taking into account the dynamics of the use of bees in the harvesting bee pollen, the replacement of queen bees should be carried out only in view of the reserves of protein feed (perga) in the nests of bee colonies and specific terrain with plants that provide bees with pollen.

Light intensity regulates flower visitation in Neotropical nocturnal bees

The foraging activity of diurnal bees often relies on flower availability, light intensity and temperature. We do not know how nocturnal bees, which fly at night and twilight, cope with these factors, especially as light levels vary considerably from night to day and from night to night due to moon phase and cloud cover. Given that bee apposition compound eyes function at their limits in dim light, we expect a strong dependence of foraging activity on light intensity in nocturnal bees. Besides being limited by minimum light levels to forage, nocturnal bees should also avoid foraging at brighter intensities, which bring increased competition with other bees. We investigated how five factors (light intensity, flower availability, temperature, humidity, and wind) affect flower visitation by Neotropical nocturnal bees in cambuci (Campomanesia phaea, Myrtaceae). We counted visits per minute over 30 nights in 33 cambuci trees. Light intensity was the main variable explaining flower visitation of nocturnal bees, which peaked at intermediate light levels occurring 25 min before sunrise. The minimum light intensity threshold to visit flowers was 0.00024 cd/m2. Our results highlight the dependence of these nocturnal insects on adequate light levels to explore resources.

Analysis of Pollination Services Provided by Wild and Managed Bees (Apoidea) in Wild Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton) Production in Maine, USA, with a Literature Review

Maine is the largest producer of wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton) in the United States. Pollination comes from combinations of honey bees (Apis mellifera (L.)), commercial bumble bees (Bombus impatiens Cresson), and wild bees. This study addresses (1) previous research addressing wild-blueberry pollination, (2) effects of wild-bee and honey-bee activity densities on fruit set, yield, and crop value, (3) the economic value of wild-bee communities, and (4) economic consequences of pollinator loss. Bee communities were sampled in 40 fields over three years (2010–2012) and bee activity densities were estimated for bumble bees, honey bees, and other wild bees. These data were applied to an economic model to estimate the value of bee taxa. Bumble bees and honey bees predicted fruit set and reduced its spatial heterogeneity. Other wild bees were not significant predictors of fruit set. Yield was predicted by fruit set and field size, but not pest management tactics. Our analysis showed that disruption in supply of honey bees would result in nearly a 30% decrease in crop yield, buffered in part by wild bees that provide “background” levels of pollination. Honey-bee stocking density and, thus, the activity density of honey bees was greater in larger fields, but not for wild bees. Therefore, a decrease in crop yield would be greater than 30% for large fields due to the proportionally greater investment in honey bees in large fields and a relatively lower contribution by wild bees.

Anti-Varroa Efficiency of Coumaphos and Its Influence on Oxidative Stress and Survival of Honey Bees

Abstract Apart from the efficiency of coumaphos against Varroa mites, its impact on the oxidative status and survival of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) was assessed. The research was conducted on hives from the same apiary, equalised regarding the number of bees, brood area and food storage. Based on Varroa infestation the hives were allotted to two groups: non-infested (N) and infested (I). Both groups were either treated (T) – NT and IT, or untreated (U) – NU and IU. The treatment of infested bees was controlled with a follow-up treatment with amitraz. The efficiency of coumaphos was 96-97%. This organophosphate had a negligible effect on bee survival, but it significantly affected their oxidative status: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities, and the concentrations of malonyl dialdehyde (MDA). Coumaphos significantly (p˂0.0001) decreased SOD activity in non-infested bees, but increased it in those infested. By contrast, both CAT and GST activities, as well as MDA concentrations significantly increased (from p˂0.05 to p˂0.0001) after treatment in all groups, with the exception of IT, where it declined. Coumaphos in non-infested hives caused oxidative stress per se, not unlike varroa in infested colonies. However, in infested colonies it decreased oxidative stress, owing to its efficacy against Varroa mites and contributed to the recovery of bee colonies. In spite of its certain downsides, coumaphos remains an effective anti-varroa substance, but should be used with precaution, not to add to the effects of environmental factors which may cause red-ox misbalance.

Influence of adaptogens on some physiological indicators of bee colonies

The ability of the body to resist the impact of negative environmental factors, the impact of pathogens that bear the signs of someone else’s genetic information have been proven by many researchers. The main task of the body is to maintain homeostasis of the internal environment. In honeybees protective reactions include cellular and humoral immunity. The difference between insect immunity is the absence of a specific reaction characteristic of vertebrates, an antigen-antibody. The covers of the body wall, intestines and trachea are mechanical protection against the penetration of foreign organisms from the environment into the body cavity of the bee. If foreign objects get into the hemolymph they will become a target for cellular and humoral factors of the body’s defense system. It has been shown by studies that the inclusion of sugar syrup with Apinic drug in the composition of stimulating top dressing allows to increase the flight activity of bees, while increasing the amount of pollen brought by bees, increasing the load of nectar goiter, and improving hemolymph indicators, which in turn provide non-specific cellular immunity. At the same time, the indicators of flight activity and honey crop loads that provide economically useful traits were 2,2 and 2,5 times higher compared to the control group. The level of fl ight activity at the main honey collection was higher, compared to the same indicator recorded at the supporting honey collection. In accordance with the type of honey collection, the levels of load by the nectar honey goiter in worker bees arriving in the hive diff er. Thus, the maximum level of filling of the honey goiter with nectar has been registered on both types of honey collection in honeybees from the 3rd experimental group, where propolis extract has been used as an immunomodulator as part of the honey additive. Worker bees from the 3rd experimental group have been characterized by higher levels of both the volume of circulating hemolymph and the content of hemocytes and the amino acid proline in it.

Effects of insecticides used in strawberries on stingless bees Melipona quadrifasciata and Tetragonisca fiebrigi (Hymenoptera: Apidae).

The use of pesticides is considered one of the most important threats to pollinators, especially since they are widely used in agriculture for pest control. In the last years, several studies have reported severe secondary effects on various bee species, including exotic and native bees. In this study, lethal (mortality) and sublethal (locomotor activity) effects of insecticides and acaricides used in strawberries in Brazil (abamectin, novaluron, spinetoram, and thiamethoxam) were evaluated on the native stingless bees Melipona quadrifasciata and Tetragonisca fiebrigi. The results showed that the effects varied significantly according to the pesticide, type of exposure (oral or topical), and bee species. Through oral exposure, M. quadrifasciata was more susceptible to all insecticides except for abamectin, while in topical exposure, T. fiebrigi was more sensitive. Thiamethoxam followed by spinetoram and abamectin were the most lethal, regardless of species or exposure route; novaluron was not harmful at the highest tested dose. The locomotor activity of bees was altered in the presence of sublethal doses (LC10 and LC50) of all insecticides. Spinetoram and abamectin can be as much as toxic as thiamethoxam against M. quadrifasciata and T. fiebrigi in laboratory experiments. These findings should be confirmed in field experiments to define possibilities to combine pest control and pollinator management. In crops like strawberries, the selectivity of native pollinators should be considered.

Antioxidant enzymes activity during age polyethism in Apis mellifera L., 1758

Temporal polyethism is based on physiological differences related to the honey bee activities into the colony, suggesting a different requirement of antioxidant activity in each honey bee development stage. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), the catalase and the glutathione S transferase (GST) activities were investigated in ventriculus, thorax and wings of pupae with dark brown eyes newly emerged, nurse, guardian and forager bees. SOD activity resulted significantly higher in ventriculus of newly emerged bees than the others investigated development stages, while in the thorax, newly emerged and guardian bees reported significantly higher SOD activity than pupae in dark brown eyes stage, nurses and forager bees. No, statistically differences in catalase activity resulted among honey bee ages. In pupae, nurse, guardian, and forager bees, GST activity resulted higher in the wings than in the other honey bee organs. Further investigations are desirable to clarify the distribution of the antioxidant enzymes in the different organs of the honey bee.

Phenology of a bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) community over a 10 year period in south‐eastern Australia

AbstractBee responses to anthropogenic disturbances have received much recent attention in scientific literature. These studies typically involve 1–3 years of sampling along spatial gradients of disturbance, though occasionally greater temporal replication and/or longer time periods are used at the expense of spatial replication. We surveyed bees using a blue vane trap during spring, summer and autumn from 2008 to 2017 at one location in Canberra, Australia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest near‐continuous record of bee activity in the southern hemisphere. We use these data to describe the temporal dynamics of the bee community, which was characterised by high annual variability in overall abundance, richness and composition and a negative correlation between spring rainfall and bee activity. The phenologies of abundant species are also described. Our findings relate only to our study site but are similar to findings from other long‐term studies conducted in the northern hemisphere, which collectively present a picture of high natural variability in bee communities that must be considered when interpreting findings of bee responses to anthropogenic disturbances.

Environmental Display Can Buffer the Effect of Pesticides on Solitary Bees.

Environmental quality (e.g., diversity of resource availability, nesting sites, environmental display) plays an important role in an animal’s life. While homogeneous environments can restrict organisms from developing activities such as food seeking (behavioral impairment), more complex environments allow animals to perform activities with learning and behavioral perfecting outcomes. Pesticides are known to affect the learning and foraging behaviors of bees; however, little is known about the counterbalance displayed by the environment. Herein, we conducted two experiments that simulated distinct environmental displays, in which the effects of a fungicide (IndarTM 5EW-febunconazole) on solitary bee foraging activities were tested. We found that the fungicide only impaired the activities of bees in one of the studied environments. The difference in visitation rates and flower exploitation of bees between the two different environmental displays led to changes in metrics of bee–flower networks across environments. Linkage density, a metric associated with pollination efficiency that is known to be impacted by different environments, differed across environments. Our results showed that ecological interaction network metrics can differ regarding the different environmental displays. This study indicates that environmental complexity helps balance the negative effects of pesticides on solitary bees and highlights the potential use of solitary bees as model organisms for experimental simulations of environmental change.

The Influence of Environmental Factors on the Activity and Propolis Production of Tetragonula laeviceps

The Environment is one of the factors influencing the development and productivity of the bee colony. Favourable environment will significantly support bee productivity. The factors which influence the bees activity include temperature, humidity, light intensity, wind speed, rainfall, and food availability. The aims of this study are to know the influence of environmental factors on activity and propolis production of stingless bees. This study used six colonies of Tetragonula laeviceps into two different locations, monoculture and polyculture nutmeg farm. The method used is a direct observation of the activities and propolis production of stingless bee and analyzed by t-test. The study results of T. laeviceps in monoculture and polyculture farms showed that the activity of the bees was influenced by environmental factors influencing propolis production. The activities would start when the temperatures ranged from 22-23 oC, humidity 70-88%, and light intensity 183-4344 lux. The peak activity of the bees occurred at the temperatures of 26-28 oC, humidity 55-71%, and light intensity 46.875-91.347 lux. The propolis produced by T. laeviceps was 27.79 g in the monoculture farm and 48.80 g in the polyculture farm. The significant difference was predominantly due to the environmental factors.

Effect of cold narcosis on foraging behavior of European honey bees (Apis mellifera ligustica) tracked using a radio-frequency identification (RFID) system

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is both a commonly used method and a promising tool for investigating the foraging activities of bees. To prevent loss of electronic tags from individual bees, they must be immobilized long enough for adhesives to dry, but because narcosis can negatively affect bee health and behaviors, a very brief narcosis period is recommended. The present study assessed the impact of 30 min of cold narcosis, compared with carbon dioxide or no narcosis, on foraging activities using RFID monitoring. From each of three hives, 8 to 10 bees were placed in each of three narcosis treatments (n = 85), then tagged and monitored for homing success, activity after returning to the hive, and duration of flights outside the hive. Bees showed no significant differences in homing success and flight duration between cold narcosis treatment and the control (no narcosis), whereas bees narcotized by carbon dioxide showed significantly lower homing success and shorter flight duration than control bees. We conclude that for observing bee foraging behaviors using RFID systems, the effects of cold narcosis on ice for 30 min on foraging behaviors are acceptable, and cold narcosis is more practical for tagging many bees at once than physical immobilization using plunger cages.

Pan Traps for Tracking Honey Bee Activity-Density: A Case Study in Soybeans.

To study how honey bees utilize forage resources and guide pollination management plans in crops, a multitude of methods have been developed, but most are time consuming, costly, and require specialized skills. Colored pan traps for monitoring activity-density are a simple, efficient, and cost-effective alternative; however, their usefulness for studying honey bees is not well described. We examined if trap color, location within a field, and the presence of managed colonies affected estimates of honey bee activity-density within soybean fields. Soybeans are visited by pollinators but do not require these visits for seed development. Pan traps, especially those colored blue, captured more honey bees when colonies were present. There were no differences in activity-density based on placement of traps within a field nor with increasing distance from colonies. Throughout the season, activity-density in soybeans was constant but tripled after soybean ceased blooming, suggesting spikes in pan trap captures may indicate periods of forage scarcity. Activity-density did not correlate with the population size of worker bees at a site, but did correlate with number of colonies present. We conclude that pan traps can be useful for assessing honey bee activity, particularly for estimating colony presence and identifying times of forage scarcity.

Urban ornamental plants for sustenance of wild bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea)

The aim of our study was to assess the attraction and value of flowering plants at green areas in support and sustenance of wild bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) populations in Kyiv. Study objects were the most common flowering ornamental plants of the city and the wild bees visiting their inflorescence during the vegetation season to collect pollen and feed on nectar. Study was conducted at 16 areas of observation and material collection, which include urban parks, M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden, green spaces of residential areas, roadsides, etc. Insects were collected following the standard method of catching individual specimens during spring and summer periods of 2012–2018. Based on the observations, we visualized trophic relations of bees with plants and calculated the biodiversity index of visiting insects for plants. Periodicity of florescence was analyzed using phenological data. Examination of urban green areas revealed ornamental plants that were the most attractive for bees, including more than 35 taxa of 20 families of trees, shrubs and grassy plants. Bees are superiorly attracted to plants of the genera Rudbeckia, Sedum, Gypsophila, Cerasus, Tagetes, Spiraea, Lonicera, Aesculus. There is a succession of plant flowering during spring-summer season, which must be considered while planting of greenery. Certain plant species attract insects at each period of inflorescence period, for example, Prunus, Rhododendron, Crataegus, Aesculus in spring, most of Asteraceae in summer. The diversity of blossoming plants is significantly lower to the end of summer and beginning of fall, coinciding with the decreasing flight activity of wild bees. Overall, the studied ornamental plants not only attract the most common species of wild bees, but also highly specific and rare species such as Bombus argillaceus and Xylocopa valga, protected by the Red Data Book of Ukraine. We found that blossoming green areas, made up by trees, shrubs and herbs ornamental plants, are important for feeding of many species of wild bees and sustaining their populations in urban conditions.

HIGH TEMPERATURES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON PLANTS AND BEES

The analysis of the effect of high ambient temperatures on entomophilous plants and honey bees is carried out. The research of the species composition of entomophilous plants, the timing of their flowering, of the temperature peaks during the summer was conducted in accordance with the conditions of the Fergana region, Uzbekistan. The ethological behavior of bees at high temperatures was carried out at Holosiivska educational and research apiary of NULES of Ukraine. Trere were used generally accepted methods at experiments. According to the research results, the maximum ambient temperatures for Fergana, Uzbekistan were determined. It is established that according to conditions of the Fergana region of Uzbekistan, honey plants and bees are most exposed to high temperatures during the second half of summer. It was analyzed the species variety of entomophilous plants of the Fergana Valley. The most common species of plants by areas of their dissemination have been identified. Plants are grouped in each zone, subject to influence of high temperatures during their flowering period. The effects of heat on the flight activity of worker bees and their behavior are determined. During the day, under the influence of high temperatures, the bees of the families did not show the same activity to flying. They actively fly off in the morning. As the temperature increased, the number of departures was decreased. This often happened from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. During this period, the aggressiveness of bees in the colonies increased. They more often visited drinking bowls and brought water. In addition, bees actively ventilated the nests. Some of them opened the nest and hung on the walls of the hive.Under prolonged exposure of high temperatures, worker bees hung in bunches on the walls of the hive even at night. This behavior of bees lasted until the temperature dropped to 28 C and below. Given to the negative impact of global warming on flora and fauna, it is increase the importance of honey bees as part of the biocenosis of wildlife, the likelihood of extinction of many species of plants and animals. It is concluded that it is necessary to improve the ecology, to deep research related to the effects of high temperatures on honey bees and entomophytic plants.

Spring wildflower phenology and pollinator activity respond similarly to climatic variation in an eastern hardwood forest.

Climate warming could disrupt species interactions if organisms' phenologies respond to climate change at different rates. Phenologies of plants and insects can be sensitive to temperature and timing of snowmelt; however, many important pollinators including ground-nesting bees have been little studied in this context. Without knowledge of the environmental cues affecting phenologies of co-occurring species, we have little ability to predict how species assemblages, and species interactions, will be affected by climate change. Here, we studied a hardwood forest understory over six years, to determine how spring temperatures, snowmelt timing, and photoperiod influence the phenology of two spring wildflowers (Anemone spp. and Trillium grandiflorum), activity of ground-nesting bees, and their temporal overlap. Surface degree-day accumulation was a better predictor of phenology for Anemone spp. (plant) and Nomada (bees) than were day of year (a proxy for photoperiod) or snowmelt date, whereas Trillium flowering appeared most sensitive to photoperiodic cues. Activity periods of Andrena and Lasioglossum bees were equally well described by degree-day accumulation and day of year. No taxon's phenology was best predicted by snowmelt date. Despite these differences among taxa in their phenological responses, timing of bee activity and flowering responded similarly to variation in snowmelt date and early spring temperatures. Furthermore, temporal overlap between flowering and bee activity was similar over the years of this study and was unaffected by variability in snowmelt date or temperature. Nevertheless, the differences among some taxa in their phenological responses suggests that diverging temporal shifts are a possibility for the future.

Effects of floral display and abiotic environment on the foraging activity of bees on Kallstroemia pubescens (Zygophyllaceae)

Foraging activity of bees depends on a combination of their biology, floral traits attractive for bees and environmental factors. We carried out this study to determine whether the variation of floral aperture, floral display and environmental factors throughout the day influence the foraging activity and composition of bee visitors in Kallstroemia pubescens (G. Don) Dandy. This research was conducted at the Chamela Biological Station, UNAM, Jalisco, Mexico. During anthesis, we collected bees and recorded the foraging behavior hourly. We measured hourly the environmental factors (temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity), floral aperture, floral display and floral reward. Using generalized linear mixed-effects models we tested which of the factors have more influence on floral aperture and foraging activity. To determine the dissimilarity of the species composition between the hours sampled, we used a one-way analysis of similarity (ANOSIM). We found that light intensity and humidity affected the floral aperture. Likewise, floral aperture, light intensity, temperature and time of day had a higher influence on the frequency of visitation and composition of bee species. When flowers were fully open, we recorded a greater number of bees and species. We observed two types of foraging behavior: bees collecting resources from the top of the flower (pollen gatherers) and bees within the flower avoiding the anthers and stigma (nectar gatherers). The total number of pollen gatherers recorded during our observations was greater than nectar gatherers, suggesting that this is the main floral reward. The species that had the pollen gathering behavior were mainly big bees, Apis mellifera and Exomalopsis zexmeniae, these are the potential pollinators because of their direct contact with the reproductive parts of the flower. Our results show floral aperture and environmental factors in combination influenced the foraging activity of bees, promoting changes in bee community composition throughout the day.

Disturbed energy metabolism after neonicotinoid exposure as cause of altered homing flight activity of honey bees

Disturbed energy metabolism after neonicotinoid exposure as cause of altered homing flight activity of honey bees

Flight Activities and Pollen Load of Lepidotrigona terminata Smith (Apidae: Meliponinae)

Worker bees actively forage to supply colony necessity i.e., pollens, nectar, and resin. Flight activities of the worker bees are influenced by food availability and environmental conditions. This study aimed to measure flight activities of Lepidotrigona terminata in terms of leaving and returning to the nest (including carrying of pollen and pollen type) and their relation to environmental conditions. The observation of flight activities of L. terminata were conducted from August to December 2016, at 07.00-17.00 for 1 minute with 1 hour interval. Pollen load and pollen types were analyzed by the acetolysis method. Flight activities of leaving and returning to the nest were lower at 07.00-08.00 (1 individual/min) and at 16.00-17.00 (2 individuals/min). However, the peak activities occurred at 10.00 until 13.00 (8 and 6 individuals/min for leaving and returning to the nest, respectively). Temperature and light intensity were positively correlated with flight activities of bees that carried nectar and resin, as well as leaving the nest without garbage. The returned workers averagely carried 32,696 pollen grains from four pollen types. Based on selection index values, this stingless bee species mostly preferred Araceae (ⱳi=1.522) plant family for pollen resources to others, Anacardiaceae, Aceraceae, and Acanthaceae (x2=39.32, p<0.01).