Expert Lecture: The Mysterious Lives of Stingless Bees

Did you know there is a whole group of bees that cannot sting? They come in all colors, sizes, and shapes and are some of the main pollinators of the tropical and subtropical forests of the world. If you are interested in knowing more about these wonderful critters, please come and join this talk by Target Species Manager, Fransico Garcia Bulle Bueno on March 3rd.  

Bio: Francisco completed a B.S. in Biology from the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 2017. He then completed a PhD on Entomology at the University of Sydney, Australia in 2021. Francisco’s main areas of research have been breeding, husbandry, reproductive behavior, and management of bees. He has successfully published six scientific papers on bee’s biology on peer reviewed journals. During his PhD, Francisco also worked with schools, universities, refugees, beekeepers and senior adults delivering science communication workshops with the aim of promoting environmental and sustainability in urban environments by teaching the importance of insects and their habitats in Australia. He was also the manager of a stingless bee program run by tone of the councils in Sydney where he managed and propagated over 100 colonies of stingless bees every year. After finishing his PhD and before the Butterfly Pavilion, Francisco worked on developing conservation projects in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico working with local people and raising awareness about the importance of bees and general biodiversity. 

Tickets:   

• $35 general admission
• $30 member   

Stingless Bee Diversity: 

• Explore the diverse world of stingless bees, known for their vibrant colors, varied sizes, and unique shapes. 

Pollination Insights: 

• Understand the pivotal role of stingless bees as primary pollinators in tropical and subtropical forests. 

Breeding and Management Practices: 

• Gain insights into the breeding, husbandry, and reproductive behavior of stingless bees, drawing from Fransico Garcia Bulle Bueno’s expertise. 

Science Communication for Environmental Awareness: 

• Learn about Francisco’s experience in science communication and its impact on promoting environmental and sustainability awareness, especially among diverse audiences. 

Conservation and Community Engagement: 

• Discover the practical aspects of managing a stingless bee program and Francisco’s involvement in conservation projects in Oaxaca, Mexico, emphasizing community engagement.