Journal of Environmental Biology

Unveiling the stingless bee: Biological and morphometric insights into Tetragonula iridipennis (Smith) from Assam, North-east India

P.S. Saranya¹, S. Borkataki²*, A. Rahman², M.K. Deka³, A. Devee⁴, B. Bhattacharyya², K. Das⁵, S.P. Nanda⁶,

R. Boruah⁷, K.S. Bhairavi², S. Sen⁸, R.R. Taye⁹ and D. Sorahia¹⁰     

¹Polytechnic of Agriculture, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Garikapadu–521 175, India

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

³Department of Entomology, AICRP on Honey bees and Pollinators, AAU, Jorhat–785 013, India

⁴Department of Entomology, AICRP on Bio-control, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat–785 013, India

⁵Department of Crop Physiology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat–785013, India

⁶M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi-761 211, India

⁷Department of Physics, Tezpur University, Sonitpur–784 028, India

⁸Department of Agriculture, Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi–834 010, India

⁹AAU-Zonal Research Station, Sribhumi–788 710, India

¹⁰Department of Entomology, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CAU-I), Umiam–793 104, India

Received: 17 April 2025                   Revised: 27 July 2025                   Accepted: 29 September 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : shimantini.borkataki@aau.ac.in                        *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-00017693-1248

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the biology and morphometric characteristics of stingless bee, Tetragonula iridipennis.

Methodology: The study on biology involved the records on developmental durations which were carried out by designing a simple patentable model under laboratory condition. This model was exploited to record the developmental duration of individual stages in the life cycle of T. iridepennis. Morphometrics of adult worker bees were collected from the apiary and killed using chloroform and preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol.

Results: The developmental durations of individual life stages of T. iridipennis were recorded as egg period (5-6 days), larval period (11-12 days) and pupal period (35-36 days). The present study also revealed the mean length and breadth of the egg, second instar, third instar, fourth instar and fifth instars larvae of T. iridipennis. The mean length and breadth of pupae, and adult body length range were also measured.

Interpretation: The findings of this study will pave a way towards popularization, domestication and management of these stingless bees in this region.

Key words: Biology, Developmental stages, Morphometrics, Stingless bee, Tetragonula iridipennis 

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