Nest
architecture of stingless bee, Tetragonula iridipennis Smith from Assam,
North East India
P.S.
Saranya1, S. Borkataki2*, S. Sen3, M.K. Deka4,
A. Devee4, K. Das5, B. Bhattacharyya2, R.R.
Taye6, M.D. Reddy7 and S.P. Nanda8
1Polytechnic
of Agriculture, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Garikapadu-521
175, India
2Department
of Entomology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785 013, India
3Department
of Agril. Entomology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia-741 252,
India
4Department
of Entomology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785 013, India
5Department
of Crop Physiology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785 013, India
6AAU-Zonal
Research Station, Karimganj-788 710, India
7M.S.
Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and
Management, Paralakhemundi-761 211, India
8School
of Applied Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management,
Paralakhemundi-761 211, India
Received: 01 January
2024 Revised: 30 March 2024 Accepted:
05 July 2024
*Corresponding Author Email : shimantini.borkataki@aau.ac.in
*ORCiD:
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7693-1248
|
|
Abstract
Aim:
To
study the nest architecture and nest components of Tetragonula iridipennis.
Methodology:
The
nest architecture was observed for better understanding under AICRP on Honey
Bees and Pollinators during 2021-22. The cumulative effects of seasonal
variations on development of individual brood, pollen and honey areas were
determined by One-way ANOVA.
Results:
The
length and width of entrance tube varied from 25 to 30 mm and 15 to 20 mm.
The average length and breadth of the brood cell was 3.75 mm and 2.55 mm,
pollen pot was 7.14 mm and 6.68 mm and honey pots was 7.88±0.03 mm 6.56±0.04
mm, respectively. The results revealed that the highest total brood area
(1386.47±42.63 cm sq.) was recorded in 15504 cc hive. Based on the
observations, the hives 15504 cc and 14364 cc were considered to have the
stronger colonies due to their larger brood areas in comparison to 6664 cc
hive.
Interpretation:
Despite
of stingless bees' significance, comprehensive studies particularly in Assam,
are lacking. To address this gap, the nest architecture, components, and
brood rearing activities of T. iridipennis was studied.
Key
words: Brood
rearing activities, Nest architecture, Nest components, Pollinators, Tetragonula
iridipennis
|
|