| dc.description.abstract | Stingless bees are a large group with about 550 described species and have been exploited for many years for their medicinal honey, propolis and pollen. Their products have been known to be of exceptional quality compared to other bees which has been attributed to the types of plants foraged on. However, unlike the honey bees, plants visited by these bees have been minimally documented. This study aimed at finding plant species foraged on by Meliponula bocandei and assessed the effect of flower colour on the bee visitation rates. From the meliponary, transect walks were made in different directions with minimal noise while observing any stingless bee foraging, and recording the plant species being visited with its flower colour. Four different plants were found to be visited by M. bocandei in the selected site. Results showed that Alternanthera sessilis had the lowest number of bee visits compared to Hoslundia opposita, Persea americana, and Bidens pilosa. The number of bees visiting the different plants were significant however, no significant difference was found in the number of bee visits between Bidens pilosa and Hoslundia opposita. Similarly, flower colour had a significant effect on the bee visitation rates. The differences were due to plants having certain floral characteristics or chemical compounds that attract or deter the bees. Also, different floral traits such as color, shape, scent, nectar production, and pollen availability are known to influence bee foraging behavior and visitation rates. For increased reliability, there is need for an extended study period covering both wet and dry seasons, and also to investigate the effect of other floral attributes (scent, size, shape, nectar quality and quantity, etc.) on the bee visitation rate. | en_US |
