Nesting Biology

Abstract

The stingless bees are the most diverse group of highly social bees and are key species in our planet's tropical and subtropical regions, where they thrive. In Mexico, the management of stingless bees dates back centuries, and they were an essential part of the culture and cosmogony of native peoples like the Maya. In recent decades a vast amount of information has been gathered on stingless bees worldwide. This book summarizes various aspects of the biology and management of stingless bees, with special emphasis on the Mexican species and the traditions behind their cultivation. Much of the information presented here was produced by the author and the team of researchers at the Universidad Autonoma de Yucatán in the course of three decades of working with these insects. Given the breadth of its coverage, the book offers an equally valuable reference guide for academics, students and beekeepers alike. Taxonomy and diversity of the stingless bee -- Nesting biology -- Anatomy and physiology -- Sex determination and caste production -- Colony function and communication -- Reproduction -- Services provided by stingless bees -- Managing and preserving stingless bees -- The past, present, and future of meliponiculture in Mexico -- Annex 1: List of abbreviations of the genera of stingless bees used in the book and recognized species for Mexico -- Annex 2: Nectar- and pollen-producing plants in the Yucatan Peninsula -- Annex 3: Record sheet template, nest dimensions, and hive sizes for stingless bees in the Yucatan Peninsula