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Giant Honeybee, Apis dorsata (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colony Population during Summer Season amidst Urban Conditions of Mysore, Karnataka, India

DOI: 10.4236/ns.2026.185006, PP. 73-89

Keywords: Giant Honeybee, Apis dorsata, Colony Population, Summer, Mysore

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Abstract:

The Mysore (12.29′58?N, 76.63′94?E) lies at 770 meters above sea level at the base of Chamundi Hills and has several natural lakes such as Kukkarahalli, Karanji, Lingambudhi and known for salubrious climate with good vegetation. All these features have attracted many migratory animals including honeybee, Apis dorsata (Hymenoptera: Apidae) during different seasons. Systematic observations were made during summer season to record A. dorsata colony population by following random sampling method at diversified habitats from April to June, 2024. Total 164 nest sites were used by A. dorsata to establish colonies at man-made structures and tree species. Altogether, 829 A. dorsata colonies were recorded at different nesting sites, of which, 604 colonies were recorded on various man-made structures with 13 different coloured surfaces such as white, brown, yellow and grey colours along with glass surface. Total 225 colonies were recorded on different tree species at various heights ranged in between 10 to 110 ft and above the ground level. The colonies were grouped into small, medium, big size and had four shapes namely “U”, “V”, “irregular” and “dome” shape with different orientations. In Mysore, the prevailed conditions along with foraging source at the vicinity of A. dorsata colonies during summer season were good. Of all, Fabaceae family members were predominantly supplied floral source (both nectar and pollen) along with good supply of water from different source. Besides locally prevailed good conditions helped A. dorsata to have normal survival during summer season despite experiencing several biological constraints. Being an open nester, A. dorsata experiencing different levels of human interference, killing, burning, spraying pesticides on the colonies, hunting and pre-monsoon rainfall was observed during summer season. Despite various interferences, A. dorsata showed nest site fidelity to its previously nested site during summer in Mysore. A. dorsata is one of the potential pollinators, its hive products are economically important and A. dorsata playing a pivotal role in pollination and poverty alleviation as well. Hence, its investigation during different seasons helps reveal the status under natural conditions that could be used for local biodiversity conservation.

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