Abstract: Facing the challenge for increasing food production, bacterial inoculants or biofertilizers emerge as sustainable biotechnological alternatives, which through diverse mechanisms like atmospheric nitrogen fixation (N2), solubilization of nutrients such as phosphate, and secretion of hormones such as auxins, may promote plant growth. This study evaluated the ability of 16 bacteria associated with meliponini bees to promote growth in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). The ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen (N2), solubilize phosphate and produce auxin was evaluated under in vitro conditions. Subsequently, the leaves and roots of lettuce seedlings were inoculated with the 16 strains. Data were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance and the mean comparison test (Tukey, a= 0.05). Of the 16 strains, 87.2% showed efficiency for solubilizing phosphate; 81.2% for fixing N2; and 50% for producing auxins. At 35 days after germination, the results indicated that leaf inoculation with Bacillus sonorensis significantly favored chlorophyll fluorescence and relative chlorophyll content, as well as seedling dry weight (aerial part and total). The root inoculation with Heyndrickxia acidicola significantly improved leaf area and dry weight of roots, aerial part and total. In conclusion, the bacteria B. sonorensis and H. acidicola have potential as plant growth promoters, and they represent a feasible option for the production of biofertilizers to promote the growth of vegetables such as lettuce.

Resumen: Ante el desafío de incrementar la producción de alimentos, los biofertilizantes a base de microorganismos emergen como alternativas biotecnológicas sostenibles que, mediante diversos mecanismos tales como la fijación de nitrógeno atmosférico (N2), la solubilización de nutrientes como el fosfato y la secreción de hormonas como las auxinas, promueven el crecimiento vegetal. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la capacidad de 16 bacterias asociadas a los meliponinos para promover el crecimiento de lechuga (Lactuca sativa L.). Primero, se realizó una evaluación in vitro de su capacidad para fijar nitrógeno (N2), solubilizar fosfato y producir auxinas. Luego, se llevó a cabo la inoculación de las 16 cepas en plántulas de lechuga, tanto vía foliar como radical. Los datos fueron analizados mediante análisis de varianza de una vía y pruebas de diferenciación de medias (Tukey, a= 0,05). De las 16 cepas, 87,2% de ellas mostraron eficiencia para solubilizar fosfato; 81,2% para fijar N; y 50% para producir auxinas. A los 35 días después de la germinación, los resultados indicaron que la inoculación foliar de Bacillus sonorensis favoreció significativamente la fluorescencia y el contenido relativo de clorofila, así como también el peso seco de las plántulas (parte aérea y total). La aplicación radical de Heyndrickxia acidicola mejoró significativamente el área foliar, y el peso seco de la raíz, de la parte aérea y total de las plántulas. Se concluye que las bacterias Bacillus sonorensis y H. acidicola tienen potencial como promotores de crecimiento vegetal, por lo que representan una opción viable en la elaboración de biofertilizantes para promover el crecimiento de hortalizas como la lechuga.

Resumen Introducción y objetivos: Previos estudios acerca de los recursos botánicos proveedores de néctar y polen almacenados en nidos de "abejas sin aguijón" en el bosque chaqueño mostraron que éstos incluyen un elevado número de tipos polínicos pero que pocos son dominantes en las muestras. El objetivo fue identificar los tipos polínicos implicados en la superposición y partición del nicho alimentario entre Geotrigona argentina, Tetragonisca angustula fiebrigi y Melipona orbignyi en el bosque de "palosantal" de la ecorregión Chaco Seco. M&M: Se identificaron y cuantificaron los tipos polínicos de 135 preparados microscópicos de miel y polen almacenado de 20 nidos silvestres de tres taxa de abejas Meliponini. Se calculó el grado de superposición de nicho alimentario entre las abejas. Las microfotografías de los granos de polen se realizaron utilizando microscopio óptico. Resultados: Los tipos polínicos abundantes compartidos por los tres taxa fueron Neltuma (Fabaceae), Cynophalla retusa (Capparaceae) y tipo Maytenus (Celastraceae), mientras que por pares de taxa fueron Sarcomphalus mistol (Rhamnaceae), Anisocapparis speciosa (Capparaceae), tipo Schinopsis (Anacardiaceae), Sideroxylon obtusifolium (Sapotaceae) y Gonopterodendron sarmientoi (Zygophyllaceae). Se detectaron también recursos que formaron parte de la partición del nicho de cada abeja (aquellos temporariamente exclusivos). Conclusiones: Se discuten las características, importancia y posibles causas de los recursos florales involucrados en la superposición y partición del nicho alimentario.

Summary Backgrounds and aims: Previous studies on the botanical resources providers of néctar and pollen stored in nests of stingless bees in the Chaco forest showed that they include a high number of pollen types but a few are dominant among the samples. The aim was to identify the pollen types implied in the overlapping and partitioning of the food niche between Geotrigona argentina, Tetragonisca angustula fiebrigi, and Melipona orbignyi in the "palosantal" forest of the Chaco Seco eco-region. M&M: Pollen types from 135 microscopic slides of honey and stored pollen from 20 wild nests of three Meliponini bee taxa were identified and quantified. The degree of food niche overlapping between the bees was calculated. Microphotographs of pollen grains were made using light microscope. Results: The abundant pollen types shared by the three taxa were Neltuma (Fabaceae), Cynophalla retusa (Capparaceae) and type Maytenus (Celastraceae), while by taxa pairs were Sarcomphalus mistol (Rhamnaceae), Anisocapparis speciosa (Capparaceae), type Schinopsis (Anacardiaceae), Sideroxylon obtusifolium (Sapotaceae), and Gonopterodendron sarmientoi (Zygophyllaceae). The resources composing the niche partitioning of each bee (those temporally exclusive) were also detected. Conclusions: Attributes, importance, and possible causes of the floral resources involved in the food niche overlapping and partitioning were discussed.

ABSTRACT Given that the Atlantic Forest is one of the most threatened biomes in the world, this study aims to compare alpha and beta diversity of the bee assemblage sampled in a site covered by remnants of the Atlantic Forest, in the municipality of Colombo, Paraná State, with those from ten other sites along the Curitiba Metropolitan Region, previously sampled under similar methodology. Our objective is to analyze if species diversity and composition are influenced by spatial gradients and vegetation cover. The study site’s bee assemblage is composed of 91 species, including Apis mellifera. The assemblage consists of 42 Apinae, 33 Halictinae, eight Megachilinae, five Colletinae, and three Andreninae species. Compared to the other sites, 11 species were sampled exclusively in Colombo, including Bombus brasiliensis Lepeletier, 1836, Centris proxima Friese, 1899, and Trichocerapis mirabilis (Smith, 1865). The most abundant native species were Trigona spinipes (Fabricius, 1793) (204 individuals), Paratrigona subnuda Moure, 1947 (176) and Scaptotrigona bipunctata (Lepeletier, 1836) (113). Despite its high vegetation cover, Colombo exhibited intermediate values of species richness and diversity when compared to other sites, with a high dominance of Meliponini species. The sites could be separated based on beta diversity and the north–south gradient and vegetation cover were significantly related to species composition at this study’s spatial scale. Understanding the regional communities and the factors that influence species composition is essential for planning effective biodiversity conservation actions. world State Region methodology s 9 mellifera 4 Apinae 3 Halictinae Megachilinae Colletinae 1 Lepeletier 1836 Friese 1899 Smith, Smith (Smith 1865. 1865 . 1865) Fabricius, Fabricius (Fabricius 1793 204 (20 individuals, individuals , individuals) Moure 194 176 (176 (Lepeletier 113. 113 (113) northsouth north south studys scale actions 183 189 186 179 20 (2 19 17 (17 (113 18 2 ( (1 (11

RESUMO Spathodea campanulata Beauv. (Bignoniaceae) é uma planta frequentemente utilizada na ornamentação de praças públicas e jardins, atribuída ao seu rápido crescimento e flores vistosas. No entanto, seu uso é controverso devido ao néctar potencialmente tóxico, que pode levar a taxas significativas de mortalidade entre várias espécies de abelhas sem ferrão no Brasil, representando um risco para a biodiversidade nativa e interrompendo os ecossistemas naturais. O objetivo deste estudo foi quantificar e identificar as espécies de abelhas sem ferrão encontradas mortas dentro das flores da planta Spathodea campanulata. Esta investigação foi conduzida no Campus de Ondina da Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Brasil. Durante um período de floração de 15 dias, foram coletadas 86 flores de três espécimes desta espécie. Após a coleta das flores, os insetos mortos encontrados dentro delas foram extraídos, armazenados e identificados no Laboratório de Bionomia, Biogeografia e Sistemática de Insetos (BIOSIS) da UFBA. A análise revelou que todos os visitantes florais eram insetos Hymenoptera, com 98,1% identificados como abelhas (Apidae e Meliponini). Em conclusão, as flores de S. campanulata contêm compostos tóxicos com propriedades inseticidas, levando a um aumento da mortalidade em certas espécies de abelhas Melipona. As abelhas Melipona scutellaris e Apis mellifera são visitantes ocasionais das flores de S. campanulata; portanto, apresentam taxas de mortalidade mais baixas. Dado o dano causado por S. campanulata na biodiversidade nativa, é aconselhável evitar o seu cultivo em praças públicas, jardins ou próximo a colmeias de abelhas. Beauv Bignoniaceae (Bignoniaceae vistosas entanto tóxico Brasil naturais UFBA, UFBA , (UFBA) 1 dias 8 espécie extraídos Bionomia BIOSIS (BIOSIS Hymenoptera 981 98 98,1 Apidae Meliponini. Meliponini . Meliponini) conclusão S inseticidas portanto baixas (UFBA 9 98,

ABSTRACT Spathodea campanulata Beauv. (Bignoniaceae) is a plant frequently employed in the ornamentation of public squares and gardens, attributed to its rapid growth and showy flowers. However, its use is controversial due to the potentially toxic nectar, which can lead to significant mortality rates among various stingless bee species in Brazil, posing a risk to native biodiversity and disrupting natural ecosystems. The aim of this study was to quantify and identify the species of stingless bees found dead within the flowers of the Spathodea campanulata plant. This investigation was conducted at the Ondina Campus of the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Brazil. Over a 15-day flowering period, 86 flowers from three specimens of this species were collected. After flower collection, the dead insects found within the flowers were extracted, stored, and identified at the Laboratory of Insect Bionomics, Biogeography, and Systematics (BIOSIS) at UFBA. The analysis revealed that all floral visitors were Hymenoptera insects, with 98.1% identified as bees (Apidae and Meliponini). In conclusion, S. campanulataflowers contain toxic compounds with insecticidal properties, leading to increased mortality among certain Melipona bee species. Melipona scutellaris and Apis mellifera bees are occasional visitors of the S. campanulata flowers; hence the lower mortality rates of these species. Given the damage caused by S. campanulata on native biodiversity, it is advised to avoid cultivating it in public squares, gardens, or in proximity to bee hives. Beauv Bignoniaceae (Bignoniaceae gardens However nectar Brazil ecosystems UFBA, UFBA , (UFBA) 15day day 15 period 8 collected collection extracted stored Bionomics Biogeography BIOSIS (BIOSIS 981 98 1 98.1 Apidae Meliponini. Meliponini . Meliponini) conclusion S properties hives (UFBA 9 98.

Resumo A identificação da flora com potencial meliponícola é fundamental para a preservação das abelhas, além de possibilitar o desenvolvimento de programas de manejo de polinizadores e reflorestamento. Nesse contexto, este estudo teve como objetivo investigar os tipos de pólen encontrados nos potes de mel e pólen da abelha Melipona fasciculata em Arari-Ma, durante o período de agosto de 2022 a julho de 2023. Foram identificados 40 tipos de pólen distribuídos em 18 famílias botânicas, com destaque para Fabaceae (46,15% nos potes de pólen e 37,86% nos potes de mel), Myrtaceae (11,53% em pólen e 13,51% em mel) e Rubiaceae com 7,69% em pólen e 5,40% em mel. Sapindaceae, nos potes de mel, representou 5,40%. As demais famílias apresentaram percentuais menores, sendo 3,84% nos potes de pólen e 2,70% nos potes de mel. Quanto à similaridade, tanto nos potes de pólen quanto nos de mel, foram observados dois grupos distintos. Nos potes de pólen, o grupo A (mai-jun ~ 97%) e o grupo B (fev-mar ~ 99%) se destacaram, enquanto nos potes de mel, o grupo A (mar-abr ~ 98%) e o grupo B (jun-jul-set ~ 98%) apresentaram maiores percentuais. Essas descobertas ressaltam a ampla gama de recursos utilizados pela espécie M. fasciculata, bem como sua preferência por Fabaceae e Myrtaceae, devido à diversidade e disponibilidade dos recursos tróficos. A compreensão da flora meliponícola é fundamental para embasar estratégias eficazes de conservação, que visam não apenas garantir a sobrevivência das abelhas, mas também assegurar a continuidade da produção de mel, um recurso de grande importância para as comunidades locais. abelhas reflorestamento contexto ArariMa, ArariMa Arari Ma, Ma Arari-Ma 202 2023 4 1 botânicas 46,15% 4615 46 15 (46,15 3786 37 86 37,86 , 11,53% 1153 11 53 (11,53 1351 13 51 13,51 769 7 69 7,69 540 5 5,40 Sapindaceae menores 384 3 84 3,84 270 2 70 2,70 similaridade distintos maijun mai jun 97% 97 fevmar fev mar 99% 99 destacaram marabr abr 98% 98 junjulset jul set M tróficos conservação locais 20 46,15 461 (46,1 378 8 37,8 11,53 115 (11,5 135 13,5 76 6 7,6 54 5,4 38 3,8 27 2,7 9 46,1 (46, 37, 11,5 (11, 13, 7, 5, 3, 2, 46, (46 11, (11 (4 (1 (

Abstract The identification of meliponicultural flora is fundamental for the preservation of bees, as well as enabling the development of pollinator management and reforestation programs. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the types of pollen found in the honey and pollen pots of the Melipona fasciculata bee in Arari, State of Maranhão, between August 2022 and July 2023. 40 types of pollen were identified, distributed among 18 botanical families, with Fabaceae standing out (46.15% in pollen pots and 37.86% in honey pots), Myrtaceae (11.53% in pollen and 13.51% in honey) and Rubiaceae (7.69% in pollen and 5.40% in honey). Sapindaceae, in the honey pots, accounted for 5.40%. The other families showed lower percentages, 3.84% in the pollen pots and 2.70% in the honey pots. In terms of similarity, two distinct groups were observed in both the pollen and honey pots. In the pollen pots, group A (May-June ~ 97%) and group B (Feb-Mar ~ 99%) stood out, while in the honey pots, group A (Mar-Apr ~ 98%) and group B (Jun-Jul-Sept ~ 98%) showed the highest percentages. These findings highlight the wide range of resources used by the M. fasciculata species, as well asits preference for Fabaceae and Myrtaceae, due to the diversity and availability of trophic resources. An understanding of the meliponicultural flora is essential to support effective conservation strategies, which aim not only to guarantee the survival of the bees, but also to ensure the continued production of honey, a resource of great importance to local communities. bees programs context Arari Maranhão 202 2023 4 identified 1 46.15% 4615 46 15 (46.15 3786 37 86 37.86 , pots) 11.53% 1153 11 53 (11.53 1351 13 51 13.51 7.69% 769 7 69 (7.69 540 5 5.40 honey. . Sapindaceae percentages 384 3 84 3.84 270 2 70 2.70 similarity MayJune May June 97% 97 FebMar Feb Mar 99% 99 MarApr Apr 98% 98 JunJulSept Jun Jul Sept M species strategies communities 20 46.15 461 (46.1 378 8 37.8 11.53 115 (11.5 135 13.5 7.69 76 6 (7.6 54 5.4 38 3.8 27 2.7 9 46.1 (46. 37. 11.5 (11. 13. 7.6 (7. 5. 3. 2. 46. (46 11. (11 7. (7 (4 (1 (

Resumen La morfología del polen de 59 recursos florales hallados en 30 nidos de abejas sin aguijón fue analizada utilizando nueve caracteres. Para la identificación y descripción el polen fue acetolizado, y para realizar las mediciones los granos no acetolizados fueron teñidos. Nueve tipos polínicos fueron elegidos al azar para ser descriptos en detalle y microfotografiados utilizando microscopio óptico y electrónico de barrido: Achatocarpus praecox, Trithrinax schizophylla, Parthenium hysterophorus, Anisocapparis speciosa, Capparicordis tweediana, Cynophalla retusa, Sarcotoxicum salicifolium, Caesalpinia paraguariensis, Parkinsonia praecox, and Pisonia zapallo var. guaranitica. Entre las especies de plantas recolectadas, las principales clases de polen fueron mónades, formas citoplasmáticas esferoidales (relación P/E), formas citoplasmáticas esferoidales y elipsoidales (geométricas), tamaños y volúmenes citoplasmáticos pequeños y medianos, aperturas tri-zono-colporadas, y mallados y lisos-suavemente ornamentados. Los principales caracteres morfológicos del polen se asociaron con: a_ versatilidad extrema en el comportamiento recolector de las abejas sin aguijón (polilectia, transporte de cargas polínicas húmedas, recolección ilegítima de polen floral, robo de polen, reclutamiento de obreras); b_ algunos atributos morfológicos (pilosidad reducida en patas, cuerpos pequeños); y c_ la morfología floral predominante (pequeña, pálida, generalista) de la flora leñosa del bosque seco chaqueño. Para comprender mejor la selección del polen por abejas, deberían estudiarse más caracteres morfo-anatómicos del polen con diferentes técnicas y variantes de preparación en las mismas muestras. 5 3 acetolizado teñidos barrido praecox schizophylla hysterophorus speciosa tweediana retusa salicifolium paraguariensis var guaranitica recolectadas mónades relación P/E, PE P/E , P E P/E) geométricas, geométricas (geométricas) medianos trizonocolporadas, trizonocolporadas tri zono colporadas, colporadas tri-zono-colporadas lisossuavemente lisos suavemente ornamentados a polilectia, polilectia (polilectia húmedas obreras obreras) b pilosidad patas pequeños) c pequeña, pequeña (pequeña pálida generalista chaqueño morfoanatómicos morfo anatómicos muestras (geométricas

Abstract The pollen morphology of 59 floral resources found in 30 nests of four stingless bees was analyzed using nine characters. For identification and description, the pollen was acetolyzed and for cytoplasm measurements, the non-acetolyzed grains were fuchsine stained. Ten pollen types were chosen at random to be described in detail and microphotographed using light and scanning microscopes: Achatocarpus praecox, Trithrinax schizophylla, Parthenium hysterophorus, Anisocapparis speciosa, Capparicordis tweediana, Cynophalla retusa, Sarcotoxicum salicifolium, Caesalpinia paraguariensis, Parkinsonia praecox, and Pisonia zapallo var. guaranitica. Among the plant species foraged, the main pollen classes were monads, spheroidal cytoplasm shapes (P/E ratio), spheroidal and ellipsoidal cytoplasm shapes (geometric), small to medium cytoplasm sizes and volumes, tri-zono-colporate apertures, and meshed and psilate-softly ornamented. The main pollen morphological characters were associated with: a_ extreme versatility in foraging behaviour of stingless bees (polylecty, wet pollen load transportation, illegitimate collection of floral pollen, pollen stealing, recruitment of foragers); b_ some morphological attributes (low hairiness on legs, small bodies); and c_ the predominant floral morphology (small, pale, generalist) of the woody flora of the Chaco dry forest. To better understand pollen selection by bees, more pollen morpho-anatomical characters should be studied under different techniques and preparation variants of the same samples. 5 3 description measurements nonacetolyzed non stained microscopes praecox schizophylla hysterophorus speciosa tweediana retusa salicifolium paraguariensis var guaranitica foraged monads P/E PE P E ratio, ratio , ratio) geometric, geometric (geometric) volumes trizonocolporate tri zono colporate apertures psilatesoftly psilate softly ornamented with a polylecty, polylecty (polylecty transportation stealing foragers foragers) b low legs bodies bodies) c small, (small pale generalist forest morphoanatomical morpho anatomical samples (geometric

Resumen Introducción: Las abejas sin aguijón están muy extendidas en las regiones tropicales y subtropicales. En Indonesia, la distribución de las abejas sin aguijón se agrupa en tres regiones: Indo-Malayan, Wallacea e Indo-Australian. Se han registrado diez especies de abejas sin aguijón en Papua, siete de las cuales son endémicas. La Reserva Natural de las Montañas Cycloop (CMNR) es una de las áreas para la conservación de flora y la fauna en Papua, Indonesia. Desafortunadamente, el estudio de la diversidad de abejas sin aguijón en Papua ha sido limitado. Objetivo: Medir la diversidad, los sitios de anidación y describir la arquitectura y características de entrada al nido de las abejas sin aguijón. Métodos: Se observaron los nidos de abejas sin aguijón en reservas naturales y áreas residenciales, mediante el método de muestreo de caminos e información de la población local, respectivamente. Se estudiaron 22 colonias. Resultados: Se encontraron dos especies de abejas sin aguijón, Tetragonula sapiens (Cockerell, 1911) y Heterotrigona (Platytrigona) planifrons (Smith, 1865). Este estudio mostró nuevos registros de distribución de T. sapiens y H. planifrons en el CMNR. El sitio de anidación de T. sapiens se encontró comúnmente en los cimientos de las casas, mientras que el de H. planifrons estaba en las cavidades de las palmas de coco. La forma de la entrada al nido de T. sapiens varió: elíptica, ovalada, redondeada, irregular, alargada horizontal o verticalmente. Mientras tanto, la entrada al de H. planifrons se alarga verticalmente. Las celdas de cría de T. sapiens variaron, entre verticales, horizontales o semi-racimos, mientras que en H. planifrons eran verticales. Conclusiones: Se encontraron dos especies de abejas sin aguijón, T. sapiens y H. planifrons, que mostraron nuevos registros de distribución y T. sapiens fue una especie dominante en Papúa. La entrada al nido de las especies varió en forma, color y textura.

Abstract Introduction: Stingless bees are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions. In Indonesia, the distribution of stingless bees are grouped in three regions, namely Indo-Malayan, Wallacea, and Indo-Australian. Ten species of stingless bees have been recorded in Papua, seven of which are endemic. The Cycloop Mountains Nature Reserve (CMNR) is one of the conservation area in Papua, Indonesia, for flora and fauna. Unfortunately, the study of the diversity of stingless bees in Papua has been limited. Objective: To measure the diversity, nesting sites, nest entrance characteristics and nest architecture of stingless bees. Methods: Observation of the stingless bee nests in the nature reserves and in the residential areas used a road sampling method and information from local people, respectively. A total of 22 colonies were studied. Results: Two species of stingless bee were found, namely Tetragonula sapiens (Cockerell, 1911) and Heterotrigona (Platytrigona) planifrons (Smith, 1865). The current study showed new distribution records for T. sapiens and H. planifrons in the CMNR. The nesting site of T. sapiens was commonly found in house foundation, while that of H. planifrons was in coconut palm cavities. The nest entrance of T. sapiens varied, i.e., elliptical, oval, rounded, irregular, horizontally or vertically elongated. Meanwhile, the nest entrance of H. planifrons was vertically elongated. The brood cells of T. sapiens varied, i.e., vertical, horizontal, or semi-clusters, while in H. planifrons was layered vertically. Conclusions: Two species of stingless bees found, T. sapiens and H. planifrons, showed a new distribution records and T. sapiens was a dominant species in Papua. The nest entrance of the species varied in shape, color, and texture.

Resumen Se estudió la recolección de polen, la influencia de parámetros ambientales y la ganancia de peso en colonias de Scaptotrigona hellwegeri. Se registró la entrada de abejas con polen por 5 min cada hora en el periodo diurno de manera quincenal durante 9 meses. Se determinó la hora de inicio, finalización y periodo del día en que las abejas estuvieron ingresando más polen. Los parámetros ambientales se relacionaron con la recolección de polen y las colonias se pesaron mensualmente. La hora de inicio y finalización de recolección de polen fue a las 8:00 y 21:00 h, con un pico de colecta entre las 11:00 y las 17:00 h. La temperatura, intensidad de luz, humedad relativa y velocidad del viento, tuvieron una relación moderada con la actividad de colecta. En enero las colonias presentaron un ligero aumento de peso y en enero y mayo se observó una mayor recolección de polen.

Abstract Pollen collection, the influence of environmental parameters and weight gain in Scaptotrigona hellwegeri colonies were studied. The entry of bees with pollen was recorded for 5 min every hour during the day, biweekly for 9 months. The starting and ending time and period of the day during which, the bees collected more pollen were determined. The environmental parameters were related to pollen collection and the colonies were weighed monthly. The starting and ending times of pollen collection were at 8:00 a.m. and 9 p.m., with a collection peak between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Temperature, light intensity, relative humidity, and wind speed had a moderate relationship with collection activity. The colonies slightly increased in weight in January, and a higher collection of pollen was observed in January and May.

Abstract Pollination is a fundamental ecosystem service for the natural balance. Bees are the main biological agents for carrying out this service. It is known that the excessive simplification process of the landscape through anthropic action hinders the establishment of more sensitive species and favors generalist, exotic and invasive species. Thus, urbanization is a process that threatens native species. Thus, it is essential to understand the impact of this relationship, since it can foster tools that make cities more pleasant environments for pollinators. The aim of this study was to record the predation of a eusocial stingless bee species by an invasive exotic spider. Understanding this relationship is important from an environmental and economic point of view, since the preyed species is a potential pollinator of agricultural crops, and its rational breeding is widespread in Brazil.

Resumen La polinización es un servicio ecosistémico fundamental para el equilibrio natural. Las abejas son el principal agente biológico para la realización de este servicio. Se sabe que el excesivo proceso de simplificación del paisaje mediante la acción antrópica dificulta el establecimiento de especies más sensibles y favorece a las generalistas, exóticas e invasoras. Así, la urbanización es un proceso que amenaza a las especies nativas. Por tanto, es fundamental comprender el impacto de esta relación, ya que puede fomentar herramientas que hagan de las ciudades entornos más agradables para los polinizadores. El objetivo de este trabajo fue registrar la depredación de una especie de abeja eusocial sin aguijón por parte de una araña exótica invasora. Comprender está relación es importante desde el punto de vista ambiental y económico, ya que la especie presa es un potencial polinizador de cultivos agrícolas y su cría racional está muy extendida en Brasil.

Abstract Bees are the main pollinators in natural ecosystems, allowing for resilient ecosystems. In this study, the richness, abundance and density of nests, geographical distribution of nesting types of stingless bees and the interaction in flowering plants in the UNAN-León Agricultural Campus were determined. All the trees in windbreaks, live fences, fence posts and dry trunks, fruit trees, scattered trees and infrastructure were checked, managing to identify the booby of the colonies in the nests of stingless bees. For the interaction of stingless bees, convenience sampling was carried out in areas with the presence of grass and flowering shrubs. For the interaction, the number of plants visited by the bees was taken into account with quantitative data and the number of interactions at the network level was determined. The results are represented in graphs of bipartite networks. Five species of stingless bees were identified (Dolichotrigona schultessi, Friesiomelitte paupera, Nannotrigona perilampoides, Trigona fuscipennis and Trigona fulviventris) with an abundance of 273 individuals, with T. fuscipennis and T. fulviventris being more abundant. 49 nests belonging to five species of stingless bees were recorded. The species with the highest number of nests corresponded to Nannotrigona perilampoides with 81.6% of the nests. A nest density of 1.04 nests/ha was found, predominating nests in buildings with 81.6%. The distribution of nests is presented in an aggregated manner for the species N. perilampoides. Forty-seven species of flowering plants were identified, being foraged by meliponini bees, the bee that visits the most flowers is T. fuscipennis, foraging 35 plant species, most frequently Ixophorus unisetus and Amaranthus spinosus plants. The network presented a degree of connectivity close to medium, with a relatively good degree of nesting, a generalist specialization index. Therefore, this study allowed to establish the bases for future studies on management strategies and conservation of stingless bees.

Resumen Las abejas son los principales polinizadores en los hábitats naturales, permitiendo tener ecosistemas resilientes. En este estudio se determinó la riqueza, abundancia y densidad de nidos, distribución espacial y tipos de anidación de abejas sin aguijón, además de la interacción con plantas en floración en el Campus Agropecuario de la UNAN-León, Nicaragua. Se revisaron árboles en cortinas rompevientos, cercas vivas, postes de cercas y troncos secos, árboles frutales, árboles dispersos y edificaciones, logrando identificar la entrada de las colonias en los nidos. Para determinar la interacción de estas abejas se realizaron muestreos por conveniencia en áreas con presencia de hierbas y arbustos en floración. En la interacción se tomó en cuenta el número de plantas visitadas por estos insectos con datos cuantitativos y se determinó el número de interacciones a nivel de red, representando los resultados en grafos de redes bipartitas. Se identificaron cinco especies de abejas sin aguijón: Friesiomelitte paupera, Dolichotrigona schultessi, Nannotrigona perilampoides, Trigona fuscipennis y Trigona fulviventris, con una abundancia de 273 individuos, presentándose en mayor número T. fuscipennis y T. fulviventris. Los 49 nidos registrados pertenecen a cinco especies de abejas sin aguijón. La especie con mayor número de nidos correspondió a Nannotrigona perilampoides con 81,6% del total de nidos. Se encontró una densidad de 1,04 nidos/ha, predominando aquellos presentes en edificaciones con 81,6%. La distribución de nidos se presentó de manera agregada para N. perilampoides. Se identificaron 47 especies de plantas en floración, siendo pecoreadas por abejas Meliponini. La especie de abeja que más flores visito fue T. fuscipennis, pecoreando 35 especies de plantas, siendo las más frecuentes Ixophorus unisetus y Amaranthus spinosus. La red presentó un grado de conectancia cercano a media, con un anidamiento relativamente bueno y un índice de especialización generalista. Este estudio permitió establecer las bases para desarrollar futuros estudios sobre estrategias de manejo y conservación de abejas sin aguijón.

Resumen Las abejas sin aguijón juegan un papel importante para mantener el equilibrio de los ecosistemas en los que habitan al participar activamente en la polinización de la mayoría de las plantas con flores. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar fisicoquímicamente la miel de Scaptotrigona mexicana de Fortín de las Flores, Cañada Blanca y Manuel León, en Veracruz, México, recolectada en 2017 y 2018. El experimento tuvo una distribución completamente al azar con diseño factorial, con los factores lugar y año de muestreo. El análisis de varianza mostró que la interacción de los factores afectó la actividad de agua, pero no el contenido de hidroximetilfurfural. En la miel de Fortín de las Flores se observaron mayores valores de color, conductividad eléctrica, pH, acidez de lactona y acidez total. El año con los valores más altos registrados de los parámetros medidos fue el 2017. Los datos indican buena calidad de miel joven y que los valores más altos de las variables medidas se observaron en Fortín de las Flores.

Abstract Stingless bees play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystems they inhabit by actively participating in the pollination of most flowering plants. The objective of this study was to characterize physicochemically honey from the stingless bee species Scaptotrigona mexicana from Fortín de las Flores, Cañada Blanca, and Manuel León, in Veracruz, Mexico, collected in 2017 and 2018. The experimental design was completely randomized, with two factors: location and year of sampling. The analysis of variance showed that the interaction of factors affected water activity, but not hydroxymethylfurfural content. In honey from Fortín de las Flores, greater values for color, electrical conductivity, pH, lactone acidity, and total acidity were observed. The year with the highest recorded values of the measured parameters was 2017. The data obtained indicate Good quality of young honey and that the highest values of the measured variables were observed in Fortín de las Flores.

ABSTRACT. Since the composition of honey varies with the species of bee as well as flowering and geographical aspects, this study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and bioactive properties of Apisand stingless bees’honey from the Brazilian Caatinga. Samples of different species of Apis mellifera L.Meliponini (Melipona subnitida, Frieseomellita varia, Melipona mandacaia, Plebeia sp.) and Apis mellifera L.werecollected from honey producersin the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Honey from A. mellifera and stingless bees showed physicochemical differences in some parameters, especially in moisture, free acidity, HMF, water activity, sugars and electric conductivity. There were no differences in color between honeys from A. mellifera and stingless bees. Honeys fromPlebeia sp., F. varia and A. mellifera showed higher antioxidant capacity followed by honeys fromM. mandacaia and M. subnitida. Flavonoids had little influence on the differentiation of antioxidant activities of stingless bees, while the opposite occurred with the phenolic content, where honeys with the highest levels of phenolic also showed higher antioxidant capacity. ABSTRACT aspects beeshoney Caatinga LMeliponini L Meliponini subnitida sp. sp Lwerecollected werecollected Norte A parameters moisture acidity HMF activity conductivity F fromM M content

ABSTRACT The present contribution deals with the recognition of the type material of Melipona postica Latreille and the identity of the taxon it represents. The origin of the specimens studied by Illiger and Klug, and which Illiger later sent to Latreille, is traced to Francisco Agostinho Gomes, who collected the material in Salvador, Bahia, and sent them to the Count von Hoffmansegg, in Prussia. Based on material located at the Museum für Naturkunde, in Berlin, a lectotype is designated for Melipona postica Latreille. The specimen is redescribed and illustrated. The name Scaptotrigona xanthotricha Moure is placed as a synonym of S. postica.

ABSTRACT For a long time, the provenance of the specimens used by Frederick Smith to describe the species of stingless bees from Brazil remained a mystery. The recent digitalization of 19th century publications has made possible to trace the origin of the material brought to the London International Exhibition of 1862 by the Brazilian delegation. We document that the bee specimens showed at the International Exhibition, and that served as type material of the species described by Smith, were collected by Manuel Ferreira Lagos, head of the Zoology section of the Comissão Científica de Exploração, during their stay in Ceará, from 1859 to 1861. Even if late, it is important to give due credit to the Comissão Científica de Exploração, and more specifically to Lagos, for the contribution to the knowledge of the stingless bee fauna from Brazil.