Journal of Environmental Biology

Species diversity, taxonomy and morphometric study of bumble bees in Northeast India

R.R. Taye¹*, A. Rahman², M. Bathari³ and S. Borkataki² 

¹Regional Agricultural Research Station, Assam Agricultural University, Karimganj-788 710, India

²Department of Entomology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat - 785 013, India

³Regional Agricultural Research Station, Assam Agricultural University, Diphu-782 460, India

*Corresponding Author Email : tayeritu7@gmail.com

Received: 13.06.2020                                                                   Revised: 15.11.2020                                                    Accepted: 15.12.2020

Abstract

Aim: The present investigation was conducted to study the status and diversity of bumble bee species and their foraging sources from different parts of northeast India.

Methodology: Extensive exploration for bumble bees and their foraging sources were carried out in five physiographic zones of northeast India viz., Arunachal Himalaya, Barak Valley, Brahmaputra Valley, Meghalaya Plateau and South eastern hill tract. Taxonomic and morphometric studies were conducted to identify different bumble bee species. Species diversity index of bumblebees was calculated after complete the identification of bumblebees.

Results: Five species of bumble bees viz. Bombus orientalis, B. buccinatoris, B. tunicatus, B. haemorrhoidalis and B. miniatus were identified along with 29 species of plant, belonging to 18 families as forage source. Species diversity index and species richness of bumble bees were recorded to be the highest from South eastern hill tract (1.355 and 0.839) followed by Meghalaya plateau (0.895 and 0.417), while the lowest was recorded from Arunachal Himalayas (0.677 and 0.191).      

Interpretation: Bumble bees can be used as pollinators for commercial fruit and vegetable production under protected condition. Locally distributed species may be under future threat of extinction, due to changes in agricultural practices or climate change. Thus, the emerging threat of pollination has motivated research on bee conservation biology.       

Key words: Bumble bee, Diversity, Foraging sources, Morphometric study, Species diversity

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