Unusual Feeding Patterns of Apis dorsata and Meliponini iridipennis in Shirpur Taluka (Dhule District, Maharashtra): Implications for Bee Health and Agriculture

Honey bees such as Apis dorsata and stingless bees like Meliponini iridipennis are vital pollinators in agroecosystems. An unusual foraging behaviour was observed during the summer in Shirpur Taluka, Dhule District: Apis dorsata feeding on cut-open watermelon fruits in local markets, and Meliponini iridipennis foraging on sugarcane waste post juice extraction. These behaviours appear to be driven by the scarcity of floral resources during extreme summer conditions. While both watermelon and sugarcane waste offer temporary sources of sugar, they lack the essential nutrients found in natural nectar and pollen, potentially affecting larval development, colony strength, and disease resistance. This shift in foraging behaviour underlines the nutritional stress faced by pollinators and raises concerns about long-term colony health and pollination efficiency. The observations highlight the need for sustainable agricultural and ecological practices that ensure year-round availability of diverse floral resources. Enhancing natural forage availability can support pollinator health and, in turn, improve crop productivity—especially for pollination-dependent crops like watermelon. These findings emphasize the importance of habitat management and pollinator-friendly farming systems in maintaining a balanced agroecosystem.