Foraging Behavior of Stingless Bee Heterotrigona itama (Cockerell, 1918) (Hymenoptera : Apidae: Meliponini)

A study to investigate the foraging behavior of Hereroing ona [roma (Cockerell, 1918) was conducted on three colonies between January 2016 and June 2016. A digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) with macro lens attached, and action camera (SJCAM) was used to record foraging behavior of H. itama in its colonies for 5 min per hour between 0800 to 1700 h for a day per 6 months. In addition, three data loggers (Watchdog B1.00 2K) has been installed adjacent to the observation nest for collect temperature and humidity in the study areas. Result showed that the numbers of return foragers was significantly different from January to June also with outgoing forager. The returning forager between hours showed significant different from 8 am to 5 pin also for outgoing forager. The ideal temperature related to foraging behavior for H. itarna was 29'C to 32 Our finding also, helps to guide researcher to expand the knowledge in foraging behavior by stingless bee as well as encouraging more small fanners to start rearing at least for their own consumption. In addition, these findings also guide the farmers to manage their chemical toxic inside the meliponiculture.