Guide to Native Bees of Singapore
Singapore is home to a rich diversity of native bee species, many of which play a crucial role in pollination. While the country’s urbanization has impacted bee populations, efforts in conservation and urban gardening have helped sustain these important pollinators. This florist guide provides an overview of some of the key native bee species in Singapore, their characteristics, habitats, and their importance in the ecosystem.
1. Stingless Bees (Trigona spp.)
Common Name: Stingless Bees
Scientific Name: Trigona species (e.g., Trigona laeviceps, Trigona thoracica)
Size: 3–6 mm
Appearance: Small, black or brown bees with a slightly shiny body
Habitat: Tree cavities, wall crevices, and man-made structures
Behavior: Stingless bees do not sting but can bite when threatened. They live in colonies and produce a small amount of honey, which is highly valued for its medicinal properties.
Importance:
Excellent pollinators of various native plants and crops
Produce "stingless bee honey," which has antibacterial properties
2. Blue-banded Bees (Amegilla spp.)
Common Name: Blue-banded Bee
Scientific Name: Amegilla zonata
Size: 10–12 mm
Appearance: Furry body with distinctive blue and black bands
Habitat: Gardens, urban parks, and open spaces with flowers
Behavior: Solitary bees that nest in soft soil or mud walls. They are known for "buzz pollination," where they vibrate flowers to release pollen.
Importance:
Key pollinators for crops like tomatoes, eggplants, and chilies
Efficient in extracting pollen that other bees cannot
3. Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa spp.)
Common Name: Carpenter Bees
Scientific Name: Xylocopa aestuans, Xylocopa latipes
Size: 15–30 mm
Appearance: Large, black or dark-colored bees with a shiny or slightly hairy body
Habitat: Dead wood, bamboo stalks, and wooden structures
Behavior: Solitary bees that burrow into wood to build nests. Despite their intimidating size, they are not aggressive unless provoked.
Importance:
Pollinates large flowers such as passionfruit and banana blossoms
Helps in natural decomposition of dead wood
4. Leafcutter Bees (Megachile spp.)
Common Name: Leafcutter Bees
Scientific Name: Megachile laticeps
Size: 10–15 mm
Appearance: Medium-sized bees with a robust body, often with a hairy underside for carrying pollen
Habitat: Gardens, forests, and urban green spaces
Behavior: Solitary bees that cut circular leaf pieces to build their nests. They are non-aggressive and excellent pollinators.
Importance:
Vital for the pollination of many flowering plants
Use leaves creatively for nest construction, contributing to biodiversity
5. Sweat Bees (Lasioglossum spp.)
Common Name: Sweat Bees
Scientific Name: Lasioglossum species
Size: 4–10 mm
Appearance: Small, metallic green, bronze, or black bees
Habitat: Gardens, parks, and near ground burrows
Behavior: Some species are solitary, while others form small colonies. They are attracted to human sweat due to the salt content.
Importance:
Important for the pollination of wildflowers and crops
Active pollinators in urban areas
Threats to Native Bees in Singapore
Habitat Loss: Urban development has reduced nesting and foraging sites.
Pesticide Use: Chemical pesticides harm bees by disrupting their nervous systems.
Climate Change: Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns affect flower availability.
How to Help Native Bees
Plant Pollinator-Friendly Flowers: Grow native plants like ixora, lantana, and sunflowers.
Avoid Pesticides: Use organic or bee-friendly pest control methods.
Provide Nesting Sites: Leave dead wood for carpenter bees or install bee hotels for solitary species.
Support Conservation Efforts: Engage in community gardening or urban greening projects.
https://flowerbee-sg.com/
Native bees are essential for Singapore’s biodiversity and food security. By understanding and protecting these pollinators, we can ensure a thriving ecosystem where bees and humans coexist harmoniously. Whether through planting flowers or creating bee habitats, small efforts can make a significant difference in conserving Singapore’s native bees.
