DIMAPUR, JUL 23 (NPN): Researchers from Nagaland University (NU) and the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new subterranean stingless bee species in Wokha district, naming it Tetragonula yikhumensis. The species is the largest stingless bee recorded in India, increasing the country’s known stingless bee diversity from 25 to 26 species.
The discovery followed fieldwork conducted between November 2022 and June 2025 across 12 locations in Wokha district by researchers led by Noyingbeni M. Odyuo of NU in collaboration with ZSI.
The holotype measured 5.59 mm in body length and 1.9 mm in head width, making T. yikhumensis the largest stingless bee documented in India. It was named after Yikhum village, where it was first collected.
According to the study, T. yikhumensis is the first subterranean stingless bee of the genus Tetragonula reported from Nagaland and only the second subterranean species recorded in India.
It is also the first stingless bee from the state to be scientifically described using detailed characteristics of male and worker bees.
Researchers analysed 44 morphological characters and examined male genitalia from specimens collected at all 12 sites, confirming it as a distinct species. Three underground nests were excavated to document nest architecture, and type specimens were deposited at Nagaland University and Zoological Survey of India.
The Lotha community refers to these bees as “litsuk” or “ground bees” and traditionally values their honey and bee pollen for medicinal purposes.
