FLIGHT INTENSITY OF TWO SPECIES OF STINGLESSBEES HETEROTRIGONA ITAMA AND GENIOTRIGONA THORACICA AND ITS RELATIONSHIPS WITH TEMPERATURE, LIGHT INTENSITY AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY

Abstract

Information on flight intensity of stingless bees is important in
pollinator management programs. However, the flight intensity
of local stingless bees especially for Heterotrigona itama and
Geniotrigona thoracica is poorly known. Investigations into the
pattern of activity of various species of meliponinae, in different
parts of the world, reveal a lot of variations. Hence, this study
was designated to determine the effect of daytime and climatic
factors on the flight of stingless bees. This study was conducted
at Orchad 10, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor and
the flight intensity of bees was determined by counting the
numbers of bees leaving and returning to their nest for ten 

minutes observations. Counting was done in six colonies which
had similar strength. It was done five times per day at 8.00 am,
10.00 am, 12.00 pm, 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm for six days. The
peak number of bees that exited and returned was recorded
around 8.00 am to 10.00 am for both species. The number of
Geniotrigona thoracica exited from the entrance had a positive
correlated to air temperature, relative humidity and light
intensity. Meanwhile for Heterotrigona itama, their flight
activities were affected by temperature and light intensity.
Hence it is advisable to save stingless bees by not applying
insecticide to crops at times of day when their flight intensity is
highest.