Trap-nests for stingless bees (Hymenoptera, Meliponini | The study of the trap-nest types and effectiveness

Ricardo Caliari Oliveira et.al.

Erasmus Mundus Master Programme in Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München,

Germany and Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, The Netherland

Apidologie volume 44, pages29–37 (2013)

Tips on Attracting Stingless Bees using Trap-nest Containers:

● Most stingless bee species build their nests inside tree hollows.

● Trap-nest containers simulate nesting cavities, attracting swarms of stingless bees.

● Two types of trap-nests (plastic and cardboard) of different sizes (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 L) containing propolis extract and wax were used.

● To attract more swarms of stingless bees, a solution of propolis can be made by diluting batumen and cerumen of different stingless bee species in alcohol.

● The propolis solution can be sprayed inside the trap-nest containers.

● A PVC elbow (20 mm) coated in Apis mellifera wax and propolis solution can be inserted in the middle section of the container to act as an entrance tube.

● Plastic containers can be painted black to prevent light shining through the walls, while cardboard trap-nests can be wrapped with black plastic bags to protect them from rain.

● Every 6 months, more propolis solution can be spread at the entrance, and damaged trap-nests can be refurbished.

● Over 2 years, 61 swarms of nine different stingless bee species were attracted to the trap-nests.

● The largest container (3 L) was most preferred by the swarms, and most swarms were collected in springtime (October-December).

● Plastic containers were more successfully occupied than others.

● Trap-nests are useful tools for stingless beekeepers, researchers, and conservation biologists to obtain and study stingless bee colonies.

● Deforestation is a serious threat to the conservation of stingless bee populations as most stingless bees build their nests in trees.

● Lack of suitable nesting sites is a problem for stingless bees, and deforestation exacerbates this issue.

● Experimental addition of nesting sites can increase stingless bee populations.

● Trap-nests can be a useful tool to help conserve natural stingless bee populations in the future.