Population fluctuation of giant honeybee, Apis dorsata (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies in bengaluru, Karnataka, India

The number of giant honeybee colonies found, nature of nesting sites selected and period of stay on buildings and trees were recorded for two consecutive years in urban regions of Bengaluru. The observations showed well distribution of A. dorsata colonies in around Bengaluru during study period. The giant bee preferred multi-storied buildings in greater numbers followed by trees for nesting. The abundance of colonies was greater during May to July followed by October and November. However, the population of these colonies was low during March and April. The giant bee colonies stayed on buildings in winter and on trees for longer period in summer seasons. The results of the study concluded that, the population of A. dorsata fluctuates in and around Bengaluru seasonally which coincides with better floral resources and suitable nesting structures.