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

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