Nesting Behaviour of Stingless Bee, Tetragonula iridipennis Smith

The nesting sites of Tetragonula iridipennis Smith at different Agro-climatic zones of Southern Karnatakawere tree trunks and wall cavities Colonies were also observed inside the hallow cavities of the trees, meter box, wooden beam junctions of doorsand window, cracks of roof in some agro climatic zones. The cavity diameter of the nest ranged from 190 to 400 mm, irrespective of the zone. The length of entrance tube varied from 5 to 90 mm and width 3 to 10 mm in all the zones. The cells were arranged in clusters and surrounded by pollen and honey pots. The mean dimensions of brood cells, pollen and honey pots were 3.0 to 4.0 mm x 2.0 to 3.2 mm, 5.3 to8.0 mm x 4.5 to 6.0 mm, 6.5 to 8.0 mm x 5.2 to 6.6 mm in length and width, respectively.