Nest architecture as a tool for species discrimination of Hypotrigona species (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)

dc.contributor.authorNdungu, Nelly N.
dc.contributor.authorYusuf, Abdullahi Ahmed
dc.contributor.authorRaina, S.K.
dc.contributor.authorMasiga, D.K.
dc.contributor.authorPirk, Christian Walter Werner
dc.contributor.authorNkoba, K.
dc.date.accessioned2020-11-17T12:38:28Z
dc.date.available2020-11-17T12:38:28Z
dc.date.issued2019-03
dc.description.abstractHypotrigona species are difficult to identify morphologically. Here, we show that nest sites and nest architecture can be used to discriminate three Hypotrigona species found in Kenya. Hypotrigona gribodoi, H. araujoi and H. ruspolii colonies from Kakamega forest and H. gribodoi from Mwingi, were collected and placed in a meliponiary at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE). The following parameters were recorded: nest sites, internal nest entrances, external nest entrance colour and size, sizes (in terms of volume) of brood cells, honey and pollen pots, arrangement of brood cells and presence or absence of involucrum (cerumen covering brood). It was found that nest sites are specific to species. Hypotrigona gribodoi nests mostly in crevices inmudwalls whileH. ruspolii and H. araujoi nest in cavities in specific tree species, mainly in indigenous forests. The colour of external nest entrances varies between the species. H. araujoi’s is yellowish brown, H. gribodoi’s is white or cream while that ofH. ruspolii is dark brown. There is an internal nest entrance inH. gribodoi, which is absent in the other two Hypotrigona species. Brood cells are clustered in H. gribodoi and H. ruspolii whereas H. araujo’s formvertical semi comb-like layers. The area of the apical opening of the entrance tube and volumes of brood cells, honey and pollen pots differ significantly between the three Hypotrigona species. Therefore, nest sites and nest architecture can be used to discriminate three Hypotrigona species. Furthermore, the study indicates that conservation of indigenous forests, the main habitat for H. araujoi and H. ruspolii is important for their conservation.en_ZA
dc.description.departmentZoology and Entomologyen_ZA
dc.description.librarianhj2020en_ZA
dc.description.urihttps://journals.co.za/content/journal/entoen_ZA
dc.identifier.citationNdungu, N.N., Yusuf, A.A., Raina, S.K. et al. 2019, 'Nest architecture as a tool for species discrimination of Hypotrigona species (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)', African Entomology, vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 25-35.en_ZA
dc.identifier.issn1021-3589 (print)
dc.identifier.issn2224-8854 (online)
dc.identifier.other10.4001/003.027.0025
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/77055
dc.language.isoenen_ZA
dc.publisherEntomological Society of Southern Africaen_ZA
dc.rights© Entomological Society of Southern Africaen_ZA
dc.subjectComb structureen_ZA
dc.subjectHypotrigona gribodoien_ZA
dc.subjectHemidactylus ruspoliien_ZA
dc.subjectH. araujoien_ZA
dc.subjectStingless beesen_ZA
dc.subjectNest entranceen_ZA
dc.subjectBeesen_ZA
dc.titleNest architecture as a tool for species discrimination of Hypotrigona species (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)en_ZA
dc.typeArticleen_ZA

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