<![CDATA[Limited availability of pollen during scarcity periods becomes a major constraint that reduces feed consumption in Tetragonula biroi. The availability of natural pollen often decreases during the dry season, thus limiting the productivity and development of stingless bee colonies. This study aims to analyze the effect of legume-based pollen substitutes on feed consumption and T. biroi colony development. This study was conducted on meliponiculture in Baranti Village, Sidenreng Rappang Regency, in November 2024, using a total of 12 bee colonies with an experimental duration of 9 days. This research experiment used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of four treatments with three replications. Feed consumption and nest weight increase were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with significance (p<0.05), followed by Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT). Significant differences (p<0.05) in feed consumption were only found in red beans compared to other substitutes (mung beans, soybeans, and control). The feed with the highest consumption value was red bean meal (2.10±0.12 g per colony every three days), as well as nest weight gain (126±5.44 g per colony every three days). These findings suggest that legume-based pollen substitutes, particularly red bean meal, can support colony development during periods of natural pollen scarcity. Practically, this feed substitute offers an additional option for managing T. biroi beekeeping during seasonal pollen shortages. ]]>
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