Use of Plant Resins for Defense and Nest Building in Stingless Bees

Plant-derived resins play vital roles in the lives of stingless bees and are collected in large quantities by workers. They are a key component of different types of nest building materials and help bees defend their nest against a wide range of threats. Mixing resin with wax creates a malleable and strong material to build brood cells, storage pots, and other nest structures, while also providing antimicrobial properties. These properties are crucial for life in a humid and hot tropical environment. In its pure form, resin can be used to build barriers against or to immobilize invading enemies, such as ants or robber bees. In this chapter, we aim to bring together information about how stingless bees employ resins in their everyday lives and discuss open questions and avenues for future research.