Stingless Bee Species and Their Hives

Abstract

There are more than 12 stingless bee species in Kenya. Those commonly kept for honey production include; Meliponula bocandei, Meliponula ferruginea-reddish, Meliponula togoensis, Meliponula lendliana, Plebeina hildebrandti and Hypotrigona gribodoi. Dactlurina schimidti, a species found in the coastal region is an important pollinator of wild and crop plants, although it has not been domesticated for honey production. Meliponula bocandei, M. togoensis, M. ferruginea nest in tree cavities, while M. lendliana and P. hildebrandti nest in underground cavities. Plebeina hildebrandti have been shown to nest near termite mounds. This means that, the stingless bee species have specific nest requirements.