Diversity of the Stingless Bees (Apidae: Meliponini) in Surat Thani Province

Abstract

This research was aimed to survey, collect and identify the stingless bee sampled from Surat Thani Province, to identify the plants species in which the stingless bees build their nests upon, and interview local people on how they utilize the stingless bee’s products. The survey sites of 18 District in Surat Thani were random. Within each District 9 agricultural areas, 3 urban areas were chosen. The results are: 1) From 251 samples, six genera and twelve species of stingless bee in the Family Apidae were identified. Eight species were found in Chiya District. The nests of Tetragonilla collina (Smith), Tetragonula pegdeni (Schwarz) were found in every District. While all 12 species could be found in agricultural areas. T. collina (Smith), Tetragonula fuscobalteata (Cameron), T. pegdeni (Schwarz) could be found in both areas. They build their nests within tree stumps, cracks on cement, brick walls, and inside any discarded tools; 2) the nests were found on 19 families 22 genus 28 species of plant in which the most occurrence was found in the Family Moraceae; 3) The nest’s entrance of each species is different; 4) the local people use the stingless bee wax to made handle of betel nut pounder, knife hilt, boat sealant, treat infected wound, and as an ingredient in herbal medicine.