Pests and predators interference on the stingless bee population inhabited at different habitats amidst south-eastern Karnataka, India

Abstract

Stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) are called ‘Dammar bees’ live under cryptic conditions at diversified ecosystems. Stingless bees are one of the most important species, playing pivotal role as ‘Keystone Pollinators’ for various flowering plant species. Besides, they are cultured in the name of ‘Meliponi culture’ at various man-made agro-ecosystems. Reports on biological constraints of stingless bees is limited at south-eastern Karnataka, hence in the present study commonly occurring constraints and their per cent interference on stingless bee population under natural conditions from 2017 to 2019 in Bangalore Rural, Chikkaballapura and Kolar districts, Karnataka was made. The Megachile bee, Megachile (Callomegachile) disjuncta, beetle, Bitoma siccana, spider, Menemerus bivittatus, Crossopriza lyoni and Pholcus phalangioides, greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, wall lizard, Hemidactylus species, garden lizard, Calotis versicolar and Psammophilus dorsalis acted as important constraints of stingless bee population and impacted more for their decline. Further, burning, hunting, closing their colony entrance by cow dung and cement, road construction and destruction of buildings and other man-made activities have created huge impact on stingless bee population. Stingless bee’s conservation is required to restore for conservation of local vegetation, to produce medicinally important honey and hence their natural colonies need special attention cum protection at their preferred abode.