Nest ecology, architecture, and behaviour of the stingless bee (<i>Meliponula beccarii</i>) in Baringo County, Kenya

The nesting ecology, architecture, and behaviour of most Afro-tropical stingless bee species are yet to be described, particularly in Kenya. Therefore, we aimed to determine the nest architecture, habitat, and ecology of <i>Meliponula beccarii</i> (Gribodo, 1879) in Baringo County, Kenya. Forty-nine (49) nests of <i>M. beccarii</i> were conveniently sampled and investigated in detail. All the nests of <i>M. beccarii</i> were built underground, mainly in highland forested and farmland habitats. These subterranean nests consist of a well-defined, external entrance, an internal entrance tube, and the nest proper. The external entrance was 1.18 ± 0.49 cm high above the ground with a diameter of 1.39 ± 0.52 cm. The entrance in 74% of the nests was guarded by 2–12 guard bees. The nest proper consists of an area of involucrum layers, the brood-rearing area, as well as food storage pots, where honey and pollen are stored separately. The brood combs were horizontal, constructed in a concentric manner, and had several gyne cells located in the periphery. The nest cavity was fully occupied and was constructed <i>de novo</i> and not in pre-existing ground cavities. The nest was lined with a batumen layer to which the brood area and storage pots are anchored <i>via</i> short pillars. A canal was located on the nest cavity floor. Behaviourally, the stingless bees were non-aggressive and did not bite even when disturbed. In conclusion, <i>M. beccarii</i> in Baringo, Kenya strategically builds subterranean nests in highland forest habitats. The findings of this study can be used to design artificial hives for the development of local meliponiculture.