Natural propolis serves as the essential biological anchor during the transfer of Trigona sp. colonies, functioning simultaneously as a physical barrier and a chemical guide. Its primary roles are to seal the new hive against external threats and to act as an olfactory "welcome mat" that guides worker bees into their new environment without hesitation.
By strategically applying propolis from the original nest to the new hive, you transfer the colony’s unique chemical signature, transforming a sterile wooden box into a recognizable home. This significantly minimizes colony stress and accelerates the return to normal productive activities.
Establishing Security and Identity
The Physical Defense Barrier
During a transfer, a new hive often contains small gaps or fissures that leave the colony vulnerable. Natural propolis is used to seal these gaps immediately. This prevents "external interference," such as the invasion of ants, phorid flies, or other predators that exploit the colony's temporary disorganization.
The Olfactory Beacon
Stingless bees rely heavily on scent to navigate. Propolis from the original nest carries the specific pheromones and chemical markers of that specific colony. When applied to the new hive, it serves as a critical scent attractant.
Marking the Path Home
Beyond general attraction, propolis acts as a precise path marker. By placing it specifically at the entrance of the new hive, you create a recognizable threshold. This allows returning foragers to pinpoint the entry immediately, preventing them from hovering in confusion or drifting to neighboring colonies.
Accelerating Colony Adaptation
Reducing the "Reconnaissance" Phase
Without the presence of familiar propolis, worker bees must spend energy re-mapping and "claiming" the new space. The presence of their own propolis signals that the environment is already safe and claimed. This allows the bees to quickly identify and accept the new environment.
Minimizing Downtime
The ultimate goal of any transfer is to resume normal biological functions. Because the bees accept the new hive faster, the adaptation period is minimized. This ensures that critical tasks—such as foraging, brood care, and honey production—resume rapidly rather than being delayed by defensive posturing or reconstruction efforts.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The Source of Propolis Matters
You must ensure the propolis used comes strictly from the original nest. Introducing propolis from a different Trigona colony can trigger aggression or rejection, as the chemical signature will identify it as foreign territory rather than a safe home.
Balance Sealing with Ventilation
While propolis is excellent for blocking interference, be careful not to seal the hive so tightly that you cut off necessary airflow. The goal is to close unauthorized gaps while leaving the main entrance marked and accessible.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To ensure a successful transfer, tailor your use of propolis to your immediate objectives:
- If your primary focus is Colony Defense: Prioritize using propolis to seal all structural joints and cracks in the new box to prevent predator infiltration.
- If your primary focus is Forager Retention: Place a significant amount of original propolis directly around the new entrance tube or landing board to capture returning bees immediately.
Leveraging the colony's own chemical architecture is the single most effective way to turn a traumatic transfer into a seamless transition.
Summary Table:
| Role of Propolis | Primary Function | Key Benefit for Colony |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Barrier | Seals gaps and fissures in the new hive | Prevents invasion by ants and phorid flies |
| Olfactory Beacon | Carries colony-specific pheromones | Guides worker bees to accept the new hive faster |
| Path Marker | Marks the hive entrance | Prevents forager confusion and drifting |
| Adaptation Catalyst | Reduces reconnaissance time | Accelerates return to honey and brood production |
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References
- Erwan Erwan, Wike Agustin. Pengaruh Desain Kotak Terhadap Produktivitas Lebah Trigona sp. DOI: 10.29303/jstl.v6i2.206
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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