Author(s):

Ritu Ranjan Taye

Abstract: Stingless bees belong to the family Apidae and sub family Meliponinae are social insect found in colonies ranging from a few dozen to 100,000 or more workers. They can be found in most tropical and subtropical regions of the World. Recent accounts report more than 400 species of the stingless bees belonging to two important genera Melipona and Trigona all over the world. They make contribution to pollination in agricultural and natural landscapes. Stingless bees are also very important for their role in primary health care through production of medicinal hive products such as honey, propolis and small beebread. Their honey fetches more price than honey extracted from honeybee due to its high medicinal values. Facets of their diversity are evident in their social organization, system of communication, nest architecture and reproductive behaviour. They build the nest in hollow trunks, tree branches, underground cavities, rock crevices or wall cavities using various natural materials like gums, resins and wax. The development of traditional meliponiculture provides new opportunities for people in rural areas, women in particular, and it can improve the economics of many households.

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