Diversity and Abundance of Bees and Wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) in North Central Bhutan

Bees and wasps (Aculeata: Hymenoptera) are group of insects which plays important roles in agriculture and are economically valuable species. The occurrence of these species depends on the climatic and non-climatic factors. This paper documents the bee and wasp diversity and their distribution based on the altitudinal gradient and land use in the Bumthang and Trongsa dzongkhags. The data were collected using opportunistic visual encounter and transect walk method over a period of eight months from September, 2015 to May, 2016. The research documented 12 species of bees and 22 species of wasps that belong to four and eight different sub-families respectively. Species diversity and richness were higher in the altitudinal range of 1501-2000 m asl. This study is expected to serve as a baseline data for future research and reflects on the importance of habitat conservation of these important taxa.