| Abstrak/Abstract |
Propolis bees have specific spread areas and nesting sites. In general, it can found in a tree cavity, rock crevice, land, anthill, termite nest. The identification of propolis bee species in general use body morphology character. The nest architecture can be used as one of important identifier character of propolis bee species, but not much has been done. The propolis bee T.cf. biroi and W.incisa were Wallacea endemic species which have resemblance on the brood cell form. This research aimed to know the nesting areas and nest architecture of T.cf. biroi and W.incisa in Bone regency and North Luwu, South Sulawesi. The data of bee nesting areas are taken from interview to the informant as the bee breeder and wild bee-hunter in the forest. The research about the nest architecture includes nest entrance measure, structure and brood cell measurement of food cells, and another nest part. Observation and measurement of the nest have been done toward every ten colonies on five nest architecture of different T.cf. biroi. The research finding showed T.cf. biroi nested on the tree trunk, roof, stone and land. While on W.incisa found the hard and thick nest entrance texture, and dominated by black colour. The brood cell form variation of T.cf. biroi was founded spiral, semi-spiral, and irregular, surrounded by soft and slight involucrum. The brood cell form W.incisa was found only spiral form, with thick and stiff involucrum. In both species, the honey pot was located very nearest with the nest entrance. Pollen pot was nearest with honey pot, and it was behind or under the honey pot. Nest architecture property in both species can differ and influence by microclimate factor, composer dammar, colony age, and natural enemy. |
