Vol. 9, Special Issue 9, Part Y (2025)

Pollination plays a vital role in enhancing the productivity and fruit quality. Among the diverse array of pollinators, stingless bees (Tetragonula nr. pagdeni Schwarz) have emerged as efficient and reliable agents, especially under enclosed or semi-enclosed cultivation systems. This study investigates the morphometric traits of T. nr. pagdeni across naturally occurring colonies within a confined urban and semi-urban landscape. Morphometric analysis of worker bees from seven colonies revealed moderate intra-species variation, with consistent body dimensions supporting efficient foraging and nest maintenance. The average body length was 2.151 mm, with slightly longer antennae (2.486 mm) aiding in navigation and olfaction. The head, thorax, and abdomen displayed proportional morphology suited for their ecological roles, while the elongated hind legs (5.789 mm) with robust tibiae facilitated pollen transport. The tongue length (0.564 mm) indicated adaptation to shallow floral resources, and wing morphology with five hamulii per bee ensured coordinated flight.