# Stingless Bee Farming: Species, Hive Design, and Harvesting ## Key Takeaways - Stingless bee farming (meliponiculture) requires species selection based on local adaptation, with commercially important species including *Heterotrigona itama* and *Tetragonula pagdeni* in Southeast Asia. Distinct fungal microbiomes in species like *Lepidotrigona terminata* and *Tetragonula pagdeni* suggest potential niche separation, influencing management strategies [9]. - Optimal hive conditions necessitate maintaining internal temperatures below 35°C and humidity below 78%, achievable through shaded locations, good air circulation, and appropriate ventilation [12]. Hive design should mimic natural cavities with internal volumes typically between 1-5 liters for tropical species. - Forage management is critical, emphasizing diverse nectar and pollen sources within a 500m radius, including dual-purpose plants like *Calliandra calothyrsus* and *Clitoria ternatea* for integrated farming systems that enhance household food security [10]. - Honey harvesting should only occur when surplus is present and colonies possess adequate stored pollen, typically every 3-6 months, with hygienic practices crucial for product quality [10]. - Colony losses are a significant concern, with a large-scale study in Latin America identifying factors such as pesticide exposure, pest infestations, and disease as primary causes, underscoring the need for proactive monitoring and management [8]. - Colony propagation through splitting requires robust parent colonies (≥80% comb coverage, all brood stages present) and careful timing to avoid dearth periods or high pest pressure, with success rates influenced by genetic vigor and environmental conditions [5]. --- Stingless bee farming (meliponiculture) is a distinct production system from conventional *Apis mellifera* [beekeeping](/knowledge/animal-farming/apiculture/beekeeping-colony-nutrition-seasonal-management-parasite-monitoring-and-honey-harvest), requiring different species selection, hive designs, and harvest methods suited to tropical conditions. This article provides practical guidance for smallholder farmers and tropical apiculture enthusiasts on selecting appropriate stingless bee species, constructing or sourcing suitable hives, and harvesting honey and propolis while maintaining colony health. The focus is on management decisions that can be implemented with locally available materials and recorded for continuous improvement. ## At a Glance: Stingless Bee Farming Overview | Aspect | Key Considerations | Practical Notes | |--------|-------------------|-----------------| | Species selection | Choose locally adapted species, common commercial species include *Heterotrigona itama*, *Tetragonula pagdeni*, and *Lepidotrigona terminata* | Genetic structure of commercial *Heterotrigona itama* has been studied in Thailand [5], distinct fungal microbiomes of *Lepidotrigona terminata* and *Tetragonula pagdeni* suggest possible niche separation in shared habitats [9] | | Hive design | Use horizontal or vertical wooden hives with internal dimensions matching natural nest cavities, provide entrance reducer and ventilation | Hive temperature should not exceed 35°C and humidity should not exceed 78% for optimal living conditions [12] | | Colony acquisition | Obtain from reputable local suppliers or transfer wild colonies, avoid collecting from protected areas | Brazilian survey data indicates that optimizing stingless beekeeping requires attention to local conditions [6] | | Forage management | Plant diverse nectar and pollen sources within 500 m of hives, include dual-purpose plants like *Calliandra calothyrsus* and *Clitoria ternatea* | Integrated farming with dairy goats and stingless bees using dual-purpose forage plants can strengthen household food security [10] | | Harvest timing | Harvest honey only when surplus is present and colony has adequate stored pollen, typically every 3-6 months | Training on hygienic honey harvesting improves product quality [10] | | Pest and disease monitoring | Inspect monthly for small hive beetles, ants, and fungal growth, maintain clean apiary | First large-scale study reveals important losses of managed stingless bee colonies in Latin America [8] | ## Species Selection for Tropical Stingless Beekeeping ### Commercially Important Species Stingless bees (tribe Meliponini) include hundreds of species across tropical regions, but only a subset are managed commercially. In Southeast Asia, *Heterotrigona itama* and *Tetragonula pagdeni* are among the most commonly kept species. The genetic structure of commercial *Heterotrigona itama* populations has been documented in Thailand, indicating that local genetic variation exists and should be considered when sourcing colonies [5]. In South America, species such as *Melipona beecheii* and *Scaptotrigona* spp. are widely cultivated. When selecting a species, consider: - Local adaptation to your climate and forage availability - Colony strength and honey yield potential - Defensive behavior (some species are more aggressive than others) - Legal status (some species may be protected or require permits) ### Species-Specific Management Considerations Different stingless bee species have distinct microbiomes and ecological niches. A study of two Thai commercial species, *Lepidotrigona terminata* and *Tetragonula pagdeni*, found distinct fungal microbiomes, suggesting possible niche separation in shared habitats [9]. This means that species may respond differently to the same forage environment and management practices. Practical implications for species selection: - Keep only one species per apiary if possible to reduce competition and disease transmission - If keeping multiple species, maintain at least 50 m between colonies of different species - Record which species performs best in your specific location over multiple seasons ### Sourcing Colonies Obtain colonies from reputable local suppliers who can demonstrate healthy, productive stock. Avoid collecting wild colonies from protected areas or without proper permits. When acquiring a colony, inspect it for: - Active queen and brood in all stages - Adequate food stores (honey and pollen) - No signs of pests or disease - Strong population covering at least 50% of comb area ## Hive Design and Construction ### Principles of Stingless Bee Hive Design Stingless bees nest in cavities in nature, so hives must mimic these conditions. Key design principles include: - Internal volume appropriate for the species (typically 1-5 liters for most tropical species) - Single entrance that can be reduced to defend against predators - Ventilation to prevent overheating and excess humidity - Removable top or side for inspection and harvest - Durable, non-toxic materials ### Hive Types #### Horizontal Hives Horizontal hives consist of a long box with the entrance at one end and brood at the far end. Honey pots are stored near the entrance. Advantages include easy inspection and harvest without disturbing brood. Disadvantages include larger footprint and potential for temperature gradients. #### Vertical Hives Vertical hives stack boxes vertically, with brood in the lower box and honey stores above. This design mimics natural tree cavities and allows for easier expansion. However, inspection requires lifting upper boxes. #### Top-Bar Hives Top-bar hives use removable bars across the top of a single box. Bees build comb downward from the bars. This design allows for minimal disturbance during inspection and is popular for small-scale operations. ### Construction Materials Use untreated, food-grade wood such as pine, cedar, or mahogany. Avoid treated lumber, plywood with formaldehyde glues, or materials that may leach chemicals. Paint the exterior with water-based, non-toxic paint to protect from weather. ### Temperature and Humidity Management A real-time monitoring system using Arduino Uno ATmega328P and DHT22 sensors has been demonstrated for stingless bee hives. Data collected every 30 minutes over 30 days showed that hive temperature should not exceed 35°C and humidity should not exceed 78% for optimal living conditions [12]. Practical management to maintain these conditions includes: - Place hives under shade with good air circulation - Avoid direct sun exposure on hive walls - Ensure adequate ventilation openings (covered with mesh to exclude pests) - In hot climates, consider double-walled hives or insulation ### Entrance Design The entrance should be small enough to defend but large enough for foraging traffic. Typical entrance diameters range from 5-15 mm depending on species. Provide an entrance reducer that can be adjusted seasonally or when defending against predators. ## Colony Establishment and Management ### Site Selection Choose a location that: - Is protected from strong winds and direct afternoon sun - Has diverse flowering plants within 500 m - Is away from pesticide application areas - Has a clean water source nearby - Is accessible for regular inspection ### Transferring Colonies When transferring a colony from a log or wild nest to a managed hive: 1. Prepare the new hive with a small amount of propolis or wax from the source colony 2. Carefully cut out brood comb and attach to hive bars or frames 3. Transfer adult bees by gently brushing or shaking them into the new hive 4. Place the new hive in the same location as the original nest 5. Feed sugar syrup (1:1 ratio) for the first week if natural forage is limited ### Feeding Supplemental feeding may be necessary during dearth periods or after colony transfer. Use: - Sugar syrup (1 part sugar to 1 part water) for energy - Pollen substitute (soy flour, brewer's yeast, and sugar) if pollen stores are low - Avoid honey from unknown sources to prevent disease introduction ### Colony Inspection Inspect colonies every 2-4 weeks during active seasons and monthly during slow periods. Record: - Population strength (estimate percentage of comb covered by bees) - Presence of queen and brood - Honey and pollen stores - Signs of pests or disease - Any unusual behavior or mortality ## Forage Management and Vegetation Planning ### Importance of Diverse Forage Stingless bees require continuous access to nectar and pollen throughout the year. A community service program in Harapan Jaya Village, Indonesia, found that several stingless bee colonies experienced deaths allegedly due to lack of nectar sources [11]. The program added seven types of nectar source plants and two stingless bee colonies to improve forage availability. ### Dual-Purpose Forage Plants Integrated farming systems can use plants that serve multiple purposes. An integrated dairy goat and stingless bee farming program in West Sumatra used *Calliandra calothyrsus* and *Clitoria ternatea* as dual-purpose forage plants that function as both goat feed and nectar sources for bees [10]. This approach strengthens household food security while supporting bee health. ### Planting Recommendations Plant a mix of flowering species that bloom at different times of the year. Include: - Trees and shrubs for long-term forage (e.g., *Calliandra*, *Leucaena*, fruit trees) - Herbaceous plants for quick establishment (e.g., sunflowers, basil, mint) - Ground covers to prevent erosion and provide continuous bloom ### Vegetation Management Monitor flowering patterns and record which plants are visited by your bees. If a dearth period is anticipated, plant additional species that bloom during that time. Maintain at least 20 different flowering species within foraging range. ## Honey Harvesting Techniques ### Determining Harvest Readiness Harvest honey only when: - The colony has at least 50% of comb area covered with bees - There are sealed honey pots (cerumen pots filled with honey) - Pollen stores are adequate (at least 10% of comb area) - The colony has been established for at least 6 months ### Harvest Methods #### Manual Harvesting For small-scale operations, honey can be harvested manually: 1. Open the hive and locate honey pots (usually near the entrance) 2. Use a clean, sharp knife or spatula to cut open pots 3. Drain honey through a fine mesh strainer into a food-grade container 4. Avoid harvesting brood comb or pollen pots #### Mechanical Harvesting For larger operations, a honey extractor designed for stingless bees can be used. These extractors use centrifugal force to separate honey from cerumen pots without crushing them. ### Hygienic Harvesting Practices Training on hygienic honey harvesting improves product quality [10]. Follow these practices: - Use clean, food-grade equipment - Wash hands thoroughly before handling honey - Filter honey through fine mesh (200-400 microns) to remove wax and debris - Store honey in clean, airtight containers away from direct sunlight - Label containers with harvest date and batch number ### Yield Expectations Stingless bee honey yields are typically lower than *Apis mellifera* honey. Expect 1-3 kg per colony per year for most tropical species, though some high-producing species may yield more. Record yields per colony to identify high-performing colonies for propagation. ## Propolis Harvesting ### Understanding Propolis in Stingless Bees Stingless bees collect plant resins and use them to construct cerumen (a mixture of resin and wax) for nest structures. A review of resin use by stingless bees highlights the importance of resin in nest construction, defense, and antimicrobial properties [4]. Propolis from stingless bees has different chemical composition than *Apis mellifera* propolis and is valued for its medicinal properties. ### Harvesting Propolis Propolis can be harvested from: - Entrance reducers (bees often seal gaps with propolis) - Hive walls (scrape propolis during inspections) - Propolis traps (specially designed inserts that encourage propolis deposition) ### Processing and Storage - Collect propolis in clean containers - Dry at room temperature (below 40°C) to prevent melting - Store in airtight containers away from light - Use within 12 months for optimal quality ## Records and Measurements ### Essential Records Maintain a record book or digital spreadsheet for each colony. Record: - Colony identification number and species - Date of acquisition or establishment - Source of colony - Inspection dates and observations - Harvest dates and quantities - Any treatments applied - Mortality events ### Monitoring Parameters Record these parameters at each inspection: | Parameter | Measurement Method | Recording Frequency | |-----------|-------------------|---------------------| | Population strength | Visual estimate of comb coverage (scale 1-5) | Every inspection | | Brood area | Estimate in cm² | Every inspection | | Honey stores | Estimate in cm² or number of sealed pots | Every inspection | | Pollen stores | Estimate in cm² | Every inspection | | Queen presence | Visual confirmation (yes/no) | Every inspection | | Pest signs | Visual inspection for beetles, ants, fungal growth | Every inspection | | Hive weight | Using scale (kg) | Monthly | ### Using Monitoring Data Analyze records to identify: - Seasonal patterns in honey production - Colonies that consistently perform well - Times of year when supplemental feeding is needed - Colonies that may need requeening or merging ## Common Failure Patterns ### Colony Losses A first large-scale study revealed important losses of managed honey bee and stingless bee colonies in Latin America [8]. Common causes of colony losses include: - Pesticide exposure - Pest infestations (small hive beetles, ants, wax moths) - Disease (fungal infections, Nosema-like organisms) - Starvation during dearth periods - Queen failure ### Prevention Strategies - Maintain strong colonies with adequate food stores - Practice good apiary hygiene - Quarantine new colonies for 30 days before introducing to apiary - Monitor for pests and treat early - Provide supplemental feeding during dearth periods ### Colony Merging If a colony becomes weak (less than 20% comb coverage), consider merging it with a stronger colony. Use the newspaper method: place a sheet of newspaper between the two hives and allow bees to chew through and combine gradually. ## Welfare and Safety Considerations ### Bee Welfare Stingless bees are living organisms that require proper care. Welfare considerations include: - Providing adequate forage and water - Avoiding unnecessary disturbance - Using gentle handling techniques during inspections - Leaving at least 30% of honey stores for the colony - Providing shade and ventilation to prevent overheating ### Worker Safety While stingless bees lack functional stingers, some species can bite or cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Safety practices include: - Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, gloves, veil) - Work during calm weather (early morning or late afternoon) - Have first aid supplies available - Know the location of nearest medical facility ### [Food Safety](/knowledge/bacteria/livestock-bacteria/cooking-chicken-bacteria-prevention) Honey and propolis are food products that must be handled hygienically. Follow these practices: - Use food-grade containers for harvest and storage - Filter honey to remove debris - Store at room temperature away from moisture - Label with harvest date and batch number - Do not sell honey from colonies treated with any chemicals ## Limitations and Professional Escalation ### When to Seek Professional Help Consult a veterinarian, extension officer, or experienced meliponiculturist when: - Colony losses exceed 20% in a single season - You observe unusual mortality patterns - You suspect pesticide poisoning - You need assistance with queen rearing or colony propagation - You plan to expand beyond 50 colonies ### Regulatory Considerations Check local regulations regarding: - Keeping stingless bees (some areas require registration) - Moving colonies across borders - Selling honey and propolis - Collecting wild colonies ### Research Limitations Current research on stingless bee farming is limited compared to *Apis mellifera* beekeeping. The genetic structure of commercial *Heterotrigona itama* has been studied in Thailand [5], but similar data may not be available for your local species. Adapt management practices based on your observations and local knowledge. ## Practical Decision Framework for Stingless Bee Colony Splitting and Propagation ### When to Split a Colony Colony splitting is the primary method for increasing stock in meliponiculture, but it requires careful timing and assessment. Split only when the colony meets these criteria: - Population covers at least 80% of comb area - Brood is present in all stages (eggs, larvae, pupae) - At least 10 sealed honey pots and 5 pollen pots are stored - The colony has been established for a minimum of 12 months - Ambient temperature is consistently above 20°C and below 35°C A Brazilian survey on optimizing stingless beekeeping emphasized that colony management decisions must be based on local conditions and colony strength indicators [6]. Do not split during dearth periods, heavy rain seasons, or when pest pressure is high. ### Split Methods #### Method 1: Brood Comb Division This method works best for species that build exposed brood combs, such as *Tetragonula* and *Lepidotrigona* species. 1. Prepare a new hive with the same internal dimensions as the parent hive 2. Open the parent hive and locate the brood comb area 3. Using a clean, sharp knife, cut the brood comb into two sections ensuring each section contains at least 30% of the total brood area 4. Transfer one section to the new hive, keeping the comb orientation the same 5. Add 3-5 sealed honey pots and 2-3 pollen pots from the parent colony to the new hive 6. Transfer 50-60% of the adult bees by gently brushing them into the new hive 7. Close both hives and place the new hive at least 5 m from the parent colony 8. Feed the new split with sugar syrup (1:1 ratio) for 14 days #### Method 2: Forced Queen Cell Production Some stingless bee species produce emergency queen cells when the queen is removed or when a colony becomes queenless. This method is more advanced and requires experience. 1. Identify a strong colony with at least 90% comb coverage 2. Remove the queen and place her in a new hive with 30% of the brood comb and 40% of the adult bees 3. The original colony will produce emergency queen cells within 7-14 days 4. Monitor the original colony for queen cell development 5. Once new queen cells are sealed, you can split again by dividing the brood comb containing queen cells ### Records for Splitting Maintain a splitting log with these fields: | Field | Example Entry | |-------|---------------| | Parent colony ID | H-001 | | Split date | 2025-06-15 | | Method used | Brood comb division | | New colony ID | H-003 | | Brood area transferred (cm²) | 45 | | Honey pots transferred | 4 | | Pollen pots transferred | 3 | | Adult bees transferred (estimate) | 60% | | Feeding started | 2025-06-15 | | First inspection after split | 2025-06-29 | | Outcome at 30 days | Established, queen present | ### Monitoring Split Success Inspect new splits at 14 days and 30 days after creation. At 14 days, check for: - Queen presence (look for eggs or very small larvae) - Comb building activity - Honey and pollen storage - No signs of robbing or pest invasion At 30 days, the split should have: - Brood in at least two stages - Population covering 40-50% of comb area - At least 3 sealed honey pots - No excessive bee mortality at the hive entrance If the split fails to establish within 30 days, merge it back with the parent colony or another strong colony using the newspaper method described in the existing article. ### Common Failure Patterns in Splitting #### Queen Loss or Failure If no eggs are observed within 21 days of splitting, the new colony is likely queenless. Signs include: - Bees clustering loosely without organized activity - No brood in any stage - Workers may start laying unfertilized eggs (visible as multiple eggs per cell, irregular placement) Action: Merge the failed split with a strong colony or introduce a new queen from a known productive colony. #### Starvation After Split New splits have limited food stores and may starve if natural forage is insufficient. Signs include: - Bees hanging listlessly at the entrance - No honey pots visible during inspection - Bees attempting to rob from other colonies Action: Provide immediate feeding with sugar syrup and pollen substitute. Move the hive to an area with blooming flowers if possible. #### Pest Invasion Weak splits are vulnerable to ants, small hive beetles, and wax moths. Signs include: - Ant trails leading to the hive entrance - Small hive beetle larvae in comb debris - Webbing or tunneling in comb from wax moth larvae Action: Clean the hive thoroughly, apply entrance reducers, and use physical barriers such as ant moats or sticky bands on hive stands. ### When to Seek Professional Help for Splitting Consult an experienced meliponiculturist or extension officer when: - You have attempted splitting three times with less than 50% success rate - You cannot identify the queen or queen cells - You observe unusual mortality patterns in splits (more than 20% bee loss within 7 days) - You need to propagate a species you have not worked with before - You plan to split more than 10 colonies in a single season The genetic structure of commercial *Heterotrigona itama* populations has been documented, indicating that local genetic variation exists and should be considered when propagating colonies [5]. If you are propagating from a limited genetic base, consider introducing new genetics from reputable suppliers every 2-3 years to maintain colony vigor. ### Scaling Up Through Splitting For farmers aiming to expand from 10 to 50 colonies, a systematic splitting schedule is essential. A realistic target is to double colony numbers each year through splitting, assuming 70% success rate. For example: - Year 1: 10 colonies, split 5 colonies, expect 3-4 successful splits - Year 2: 13-14 colonies, split 7 colonies, expect 5 successful splits - Year 3: 18-19 colonies, split 9 colonies, expect 6 successful splits This conservative approach allows for colony losses and maintains genetic diversity. The first large-scale study of managed stingless bee colonies in Latin America revealed important losses, emphasizing the need for conservative expansion strategies [8]. Do not split more than 50% of your colonies in any single season to maintain a stable production base. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the difference between stingless bee farming and honey bee farming? Stingless bee farming (meliponiculture) differs from *Apis mellifera* beekeeping in species, hive design, and harvest methods. Stingless bees are smaller, produce less honey, and store honey in cerumen pots instead of wax combs. Hives must be designed for their specific nesting requirements, and harvest techniques must avoid damaging brood. Stingless bees are also more sensitive to temperature and humidity, requiring careful site selection and hive management [12]. ### Which stingless bee species is best for honey production? The best species depends on your location and climate. In Southeast Asia, *Heterotrigona itama* and *Tetragonula pagdeni* are commonly kept for honey production. Genetic studies of *Heterotrigona itama* in Thailand indicate local variation that may affect productivity [5]. In South America, *Melipona* species are valued for their honey yield. Consult local extension services or experienced meliponiculturists to identify the best species for your area. ### How do I design a hive for stingless bees? Design hives to mimic natural nesting cavities with internal volume of 1-5 liters, a single small entrance (5-15 mm), ventilation openings covered with mesh, and removable top or side for inspection. Use untreated, food-grade wood and paint the exterior with non-toxic paint. Ensure the hive can maintain temperature below 35°C and humidity below 78% [12]. Horizontal, vertical, and top-bar designs are all suitable depending on your preference and species. ### When should I harvest stingless bee honey? Harvest honey only when the colony has surplus stores, typically every 3-6 months. Ensure the colony has at least 50% comb coverage, sealed honey pots, and adequate pollen stores. Do not harvest during dearth periods or when the colony is weak. Leave at least 30% of honey stores for the colony to survive until the next bloom. ### How do I prevent colony losses in stingless bee farming? Prevent colony losses by maintaining strong colonies with adequate food stores, providing diverse forage year-round, monitoring for pests and disease, and practicing good apiary hygiene. A study in Latin America revealed important losses of managed stingless bee colonies, highlighting the need for proactive management [8]. Quarantine new colonies, provide supplemental feeding during dearth periods, and avoid pesticide exposure. ### Can I keep stingless bees with honey bees? It is possible to keep both stingless bees and *Apis mellifera* in the same area, but they may compete for forage. Maintain at least 100 m between apiaries of different bee types. Stingless bees are generally less aggressive and may be outcompeted by honey bees for rich nectar sources. Consider planting additional forage to reduce competition. ### What plants should I grow for stingless bee forage? Plant a diverse mix of flowering species that bloom at different times of the year. Dual-purpose plants like *Calliandra calothyrsus* and *Clitoria ternatea* provide both bee forage and livestock feed [10]. Include trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Aim for at least 20 different species within 500 m of the apiary. Monitor which plants your bees visit and adjust plantings accordingly. ### How do I harvest propolis from stingless bees? Harvest propolis by scraping it from entrance reducers, hive walls, or using propolis traps. Collect in clean containers and dry at room temperature below 40°C. Stingless bee propolis is valued for its antimicrobial properties, as documented in a review of resin use by stingless bees [4]. Store in airtight containers away from light and use within 12 months. ## Related Farming Guides - [Rabbit Colony System Design Space Ventilation Group Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/rabbits/rabbit-colony-system-design-space-ventilation-group-management) - [Lentivirus Production](/blog/guides/plaque-assays-planning-controls-and-reporting-viral-titer) - [Systems Biology](/blog/news/systems-biology) - [Mating Nucleus Management For Queen Production](/knowledge/animal-farming/apiculture/mating-nucleus-management-for-queen-production) - [Preparing Honey Bee Colonies For Winter](/knowledge/animal-farming/apiculture/preparing-honey-bee-colonies-for-winter) ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Waste Management in the Apiary: Culling, Dead Hives, and Debris Disposal](/knowledge/animal-farming/apiculture/waste-management-apiary-culling-dead-hives-debris-disposal) * [Package Bee Production: Business Planning and Colony Establishment](/knowledge/animal-farming/apiculture/package-bee-production-business-planning-and-colony-establishment) * [Siting an Apiary: Legal Setbacks, Neighbor Relations, and Flight Paths](/knowledge/animal-farming/apiculture/siting-apiary-legal-setbacks-neighbor-relations-flight-paths) ## References and Further Reading - [www.fao.org](https://www.fao.org/pollination/en) - [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. - [Animal Health and Welfare](https://www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare). USDA National Agricultural Library. - [Resin Use by Stingless Bees: A Review.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34442285). Insects, 2021. - [Genetic structure of the commercial stingless bee Heterotrigona itama (Apidae: Meliponini) in Thailand.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39630652). PloS one, 2024. - [Bees for development: Brazilian survey reveals how to optimize stingless beekeeping.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25826402). PloS one, 2015. - [Beekeeping from Antiquity Through the Middle Ages.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28141962). Annual review of entomology, 2017. - [First large-scale study reveals important losses of managed honey bee and stingless bee colonies in Latin America.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38698037). Scientific reports, 2024. - [Distinct fungal microbiomes of two Thai commercial stingless bee species, Lepidotrigona terminata and Tetragonula pagdeni suggest a possible niche separation in a shared habitat.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38469352). Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 2024. - [Integrated Dairy Goat and Stingless Bee Farming Based on Dual-Purpose Forage Plants to Strengthen Household Food Security in a Women Farmers Group](https://doi.org/10.25077/jwa.33.1.120-127.2026). Warta Pengabdian Andalas, 2026. - [Optimizing honey production in stingless bee farming](https://doi.org/10.22219/jcse.v4i2.26431). Journal of Community Service and Empowerment, 2023. - [A Real-Time Web-Based Monitoring System for Stingless Bee Farming](https://doi.org/10.1109/IICAIET55139.2022.9936841). International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Engineering and Technology, 2022. - [THE APPLICATION OF RISK ANALYSIS TO THE PROJECT APPRAISAL OF STINGLESS BEE FARMING IN MALAYSIA FOR SUSTAINABILITY](https://doi.org/10.46754/jssm.2021.08.009). Journal of sustainability science and management, 2021. - [Do emotions influence the motivations and preferences of keepers of stingless bees?](https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-018-0246-3). Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2018. - [Honey Bee Farming for Sustainable Rural Livelihood](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85136055761). Advances in Sustainable Development and Management of Environmental and Natural Resources Economic Outlook and Opinions Volume 1, 2021. - [Bats and bees are pollinating Parkia biglobosa in The Gambia](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-011-9409-0). Agroforestry Systems, 2012. > This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.