UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Pollinators play a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity and agricultural productivity, with stingless bees emerging as efficient pollinators in tropical ecosystems. The present study was conducted in an urban ecosystem of Bengaluru to assess floral and faunal diversity and to evaluate the foraging ecology of Tetragonula iridipennis Smith. A total of 76 plant species belonging to 35 families were recorded as forage resources, comprising ornamental (36), medicinal (9), tree (12) and weed species (19). Among these, 21 species provided only nectar, 14 only pollen and 41 offered both resources. Periodic surveys, palynological analysis of pollen loads and melissopalynological studies of honey samples were carried out to identify major forage sources. Palynological analysis of pollen loads revealed eight major (>45%) pollen sources, including Ocimum spp., Tridax procumbens and Cocos nucifera, while seven species were categorized as medium and three as minor sources. Melissopalynological studies of honey samples identified key predominant nectar sources such as Ixora coccinea, Canna indica and Nerium oleander. The study revealed that urban landscapes with diverse vegetation support continuous foraging opportunities for stingless bees. The study emphasizes the ecological significance of T. iridipennis in urban pollination and underscores its potential for integration into urban beekeeping and pollination management strategies.