Abstract Background: Floral microstructure, with multiple functions, is very important in pollination biology. Questions: Are the expected general characteristics of corolla micromorphology fulfilled in the selected species with different pollination systems? Studied species: Agave americana, Arbutus unedo, Aristolochia paucinervis, Cestrum nocturnum, Cytinus hypocistis subsp. macranthus, C. ruber, Dianthus lusitanus, Grevillea robusta, Musa x paradisiaca, Nicotiana glauca, Stellaria media and Teucrium fruticans. Study site and dates: Southern Spain, 2017-2019. Methods: Floral micromorphological characters were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy and analyzed using different statistical tests. Results: The adaxial side of the corolla lobes in melittophilous, myrmecophilous, psychophilous and sapromyophilous species showed papillose cells, and the same was true of the sphingophilous species Cestrum nocturnum and hummingbird-pollinated Nicotiana glauca. In contrast, tabular cells were observed in the perching-pollinator ornithophilous species Grevillea robusta, the two studied chiropterophilous species, and autogamous Stellaria media. In addition, corolla mesophyll was thicker in chiropterophilous species. Furthermore, differences were detected in cell turgidity (in protogynous Aristolochia paucinervis) and in mesophyll thickness between male and female flowers (Cytinus). Conclusions: Papillose cells were present in corollas in physical contact with pollinators, as expected, but also appeared in corollas of some other species without such contact. We recommend that studies of dichogamous and unisexual species include comparisons of corolla micromorphology between sexual states, as differences may exist in cell turgidity or mesophyll thickness. We also caution against the widespread view that certain types of pollinators do not mechanically interact with the epidermal surface of the corolla.

Resumen: Antecedentes: La microestructura floral posee gran importancia en biología de la polinización, con múltiples funciones. Preguntas: ¿Se cumplen los patrones esperados de micromorfología de la corola en las especies seleccionadas? Especies de estudio: Agave americana, Arbutus unedo, Aristolochia paucinervis, Cestrum nocturnum, Cytinus hypocistis subsp. macranthus, C. ruber, Dianthus lusitanus, Grevillea robusta, Musa x paradisiaca, Nicotiana glauca, Stellaria media y Teucrium fruticans. Sitio y años de estudio: Sur de España, 2017-2019. Métodos: Micromorfología floral estudiada a MO y MEB y analizada mediante pruebas estadísticas. Resultados: La cara adaxial de los lóbulos corolinos en las especies melitófilas, mirmecófilas, psicófilas y sapromófilas mostró células papilosas, pero también en la esfingófila Cestrum nocturnum y en la ornitófila por colibríes Nicotiana glauca. Presentaron células tabulares la ornitófila perchera Grevillea robusta, las dos especies quiropterófilas y la autógama Stellaria media. Además, el mesofilo de las quiropterófilas fue más grueso. Finalmente, hubo diferencias en la turgencia celular (A. paucinervis, protógina) y en el grosor del mesofilo entre las flores masculinas y femeninas (Cytinus). Conclusiones: Se cumplió el patrón esperado de existencia de células papilosas en corolas que contactan físicamente con los polinizadores, pero también aparecieron en corolas sin tal contacto. En especies con dicogamia y unisexualidad es aconsejable estudiar la microestructura corolina diferenciando entre los dos estados sexuales, ya que la turgencia celular o el grosor del mesofilo podrían diferenciarlos. También advertimos contra la amplia opinión de que ciertos tipos de polinizadores no interaccionan mecánicamente con la superficie epidérmica de la corola.

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.

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.

Abstract Beekeepers need to identify melliferous flora (MF) in those areas where apiaries are established because bees (Apis mellifera) depend on these floral resources for food and honey production. The objective of the study was to analyze the socio-ecological aspects of beekeeping, considering the knowledge of the melliferous flora by the producers in the Costa Chica region of Guerrero (GCC), Mexico. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling was carried out. The final sample consisted of 75 surveyed beekeepers. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were used for data analysis; botanical collections were made to identify the species cited. Beekeeping is traditional (5-50 hives), the average age was 48 yr, with 10 years of schooling and 12 yr of experience. Producers mentioned 33 MF species (26 native and seven cultivated) belonging to 16 botanical families. In addition, they classified them by their use as nectapolliniferous (14 species), polliniferous (10), and nectariferous (9). It was recorded that native species flower during the winter (herbaceous) and spring (trees), coinciding with the honey harvest season, while cultivated species flower during the rainy season (summer) and are an important resource during the post-harvest season. GCC beekeepers registered low knowledge of the vegetation surrounding their apiaries, but have a high knowledge of the main MF species, finding that the older they are, the more knowledge they have about the MF species that bees use in their food (nectar or pollen).

Resumen La identificación de flora melífera (FM) en las áreas donde se establecen apiarios es necesaria para los apicultores, debido a que las abejas (Apis mellifera) dependen de estos recursos florales para su alimentación y producción de miel. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar los aspectos socio-ecológicos de la apicultura, considerando los conocimientos de la flora melífera de los productores en la Costa Chica de Guerrero (CCG), México. Se realizó un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. La muestra final fue de 75 apicultores encuestados. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó estadística descriptiva y tablas cruzadas; se realizaron recolectas botánicas para identificar las especies citadas. La apicultura es tradicional (5-50 colmenas), la edad promedio fue 48 años, con 10 años de escolaridad y 12 años de experiencia. Los productores mencionaron 33 especies de FM (26 nativas y siete cultivadas), pertenecientes a 16 familias botánicas. Además, por su uso, las clasificaron en nectapoliníferas (14 especies), poliníferas (10) y nectaríferas (9). Se registró que las especies nativas florecen durante el invierno (herbáceas) y primavera (árboles), lo que coincide con la época de cosecha de miel, mientras que las especies cultivadas florecen en épocas de lluvias (verano) y son un recurso importante en épocas de postcosecha. Los apicultores de la CCG registraron bajo conocimiento de la vegetación circundante a sus apiarios, pero tienen un alto conocimiento de las principales especies de FM, encontrándose que, a mayor edad, mayor conocimiento sobre las especies de FM que las abejas utilizan en su alimentación (néctar o polen).

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de evaluar la morfología del polen en especies melíferas del bosque seco tropical del recinto Quimis, se seleccionaron cinco apiarios distribuidos en dicha formación vegetal, se recolectaron las cargas de polen obtenidas directamente de los apiarios y se registró la flora apícola de acuerdo al tiempo de floración. Los resultados revelaron 21 especies melíferas pertenecientes a 13 familias y 21 géneros, Convolvulus arvensis, Eriotheca ruizii, Ceiba trischistandra y Prosopis pallida las especies más frecuentes y la familia más abundante fue la Fabaceae. En relación con las unidades de polen, el 0,95 % corresponde al tipo mónada y referente a la simetría, el 0,67 % se caracteriza por ser de tipo radiosimétrico, mientras que el 0,48 % presenta aberturas tricolporadas. Con respecto a la forma de la exina, el 0,43 % exhibe una forma psilada, y el 0,38 % mostró forma esferoidal. Los meses de mayor floración coincidieron con junio, julio y agosto, que corresponden a la temporada seca. La gran mayoría de las especies nectaríferas y poliníferas resultaron ser dominantes, con la excepción de Bonellia sprucei, Caesalpinia paipai y Trema micrantha, Muntingia calabura, Cojoba arborea, Sarcomphalus thyrsiflorus, Bursera graveolens, las cuales solo proporcionan polen y Cordia lutea y Cynophalla sclerophylla, que son productoras de néctar.

RESUMO Com o objetivo de avaliar a morfologia polínica de espécies melíferas na floresta tropical seca do Recinto dos Quimis, foram selecionados cinco apiários distribuídos nessa formação vegetal, coletadas cargas de pólen obtidas diretamente dos apiários e registrada a flora apícola de acordo com a época de floração. Os resultados revelaram 21 espécies melíferas pertencentes a 13 famílias e 21 gêneros, sendo que Convolvulus arvensis, Eriotheca ruizii, Ceiba trischistandra e Prosopis pallida foram as espécies mais frequentes e a família mais abundante foi Fabaceae. Em relação às unidades polínicas, 0,95% corresponde ao tipo mônada e, com relação à simetria, 0,67% é caracterizado pelo tipo radiossimétrico, enquanto 0,48% tem aberturas tricolporadas. Com relação à forma da exina, 0,43% exibiu uma forma psilada e 0,38% uma forma esferoidal. Os meses de pico de floração coincidiram com junho, julho e agosto, que correspondem à estação seca. A grande maioria das espécies produtoras de néctar e poliníferas foi considerada dominante, com exceção de Bonellia sprucei, Caesalpinia paipai e Trema micrantha, Muntingia calabura, Cojoba arborea, Sarcomphalus thyrsiflorus, Bursera graveolens, que fornecem apenas pólen, e Cordia lutea e Cynophalla sclerophylla, que são produtoras de néctar.

ABSTRACT With the objective of evaluating the morphology of pollen in honey species from the tropical dry forest of the Quimis enclosure, five apiaries distributed in said plant formation were selected, the pollen loads obtained directly from the apiaries were collected and the bee flora was recorded according to the flowering time. The results revealed 21 honey species belonging to 13 families and 21 genera, being Convolvulus arvensis, Eriotheca ruizii, Ceiba trischistandra and Prosopis pallida the most common species and the most abundant family was Fabaceae. In relation to the pollen units, 0.95% corresponds to the monad type and referring to symmetry, 0.67% is characterized by being of the radiosymmetric type, while 0.48% has tricolporate openings. Regarding the shape of the exine, 0.43% exhibited a psyllate shape, and 0.38% showed a spheroidal shape. The months of greatest flowering coincided with June, July and August, which correspond to the dry season. The vast majority of nectariferous and polliniferous species were dominant, with the exception of Bonellia sprucei, Caesalpinia paipai and Trema micrantha, Muntingia calabura, Cojoba arborea, Sarcomphalus thyrsiflorus, Bursera graveolens, which only provide pollen and Cordia lutea and Cynophalla sclerophylla, which are nectar producers.

Abstract Background: The terrestrial bromeliad Puya ctenorhyncha is a near-threatened endemic species that grows between 2,500-4,050 m asl. Hypotheses: Hummingbirds are the most important visitors of this plant given its morphological and floral traits. Study site: The study was carried out along the “Death Road”, located in the Yungas montane cloud forest, La Paz, Bolivia. Methods: We monitored an average of 216 individuals monthly for two years (2018-2019). Besides we conducted direct observations of focal plants to quantify the visits of animals. Results: The reproductive season lasted from April to August in the first year and from May to June in the second. The mean nectar volume was 8.09 ± 1.59 μL per flower and its composition included fructose, glucose, and 86 % of water. With 341 hours of observations, we determined that Coeligena torquata (Trochilidae) is the main visitor and putative pollinator, followed by C. violifer. Males of both species were more frequent visitors than females. Coeligena torquata showed the highest activity during the afternoon while C. violifer was more active in the morning. Conclusions: Floral phenology seems to be annual and unimodal. Although the main pollinators seem to be hummingbirds, the nectar concentration and composition is more similar to bromeliad species of other genera which are pollinated by bats or passerine birds. It is important to evaluate, in future studies, the dependence of both hummingbirds and their behavioural response towards the plant.

Resumen: Antecedentes: La bromelia terrestre Puya ctenorhyncha es una especie endémica casi amenazada que crece entre los 2,500-4,050 m snm. Hipótesis: Los colibríes son los visitantes más importantes de esta planta dadas sus características morfológicas y florales. Sitio de estudio: El estudio se realizó en el “Camino de la Muerte”, situado en el bosque nublado montano de los Yungas, La Paz, Bolivia. Métodos: Monitoreamos un promedio de 216 individuos mensuales durante dos años (2018-2019), mediante observaciones de su biología fenológica. Asimismo, realizamos observaciones directas en plantas focales para cuantificar las visitas de animales. Resultados: La época reproductiva duró de abril a agosto en el primer año y de mayo a junio en el segundo. El volumen medio de néctar fue de 8,09 ± 1,59 μL por flor y su composición incluía fructosa, glucosa y 86 % de agua. Con 341 horas de observaciones, determinamos que Coeligena torquata (Trochilidae) es el principal visitante y polinizador putativo, seguido por C. violifer. Los machos de ambas especies fueron visitantes más frecuentes que las hembras. Coeligena torquata mostró la mayor actividad durante la tarde mientras que C. violifer fue más activa por la mañana. Conclusiones: La fenología floral parece ser anual y unimodal. Aunque los principales polinizadores parecen ser los colibríes, la concentración y composición del néctar es más similar a especies de bromelias de otros géneros que son polinizadas por murciélagos o aves paseriformes. Es importante evaluar, en estudios futuros, la dependencia de ambos colibríes y su respuesta de comportamiento a la planta.

Abstract The widespread loss of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes and ecosystems is a global concern. This loss is related to the intensification of agricultural practices, the inappropriate use of agrochemicals and the fragmentation of natural habitats. All of this affects plant diversity and has an impact on the functioning of the ecosystem, limiting ecosystem services. Promoting greater functional diversity in the margins of our crops is an achievable goal through the management of the resources offered by the weed flora. In particular, species of the Brassicaceae Burnett family (hereinafter referred to as cruciferous), play a fundamental role in agrosystems by attracting natural enemies of pests and providing nectar and pollen to pollinators. The objective of this study was to detect and estimate the floral resources offered by cruciferous plants in the presence of other weed species. To this end, an experiment was designed at the “La Poveda” farm (CSIC, Madrid) in 2023, in which up to 4 flights were carried out with a drone over the floral margins where three cruciferous plants of interest were found: Diplotaxis tenuifolia, Eruca vesicaria and Moricandia arvensis. These species represent some of the key functional traits of crucifers that are often present in our agrosystems. The detection of these species was carried out through the analysis of images captured by the drone and the implementation of convolutional neural network architectures. In this work, we present the first results of the models we are developing.

Resumen La pérdida generalizada de biodiversidad en los paisajes y ecosistemas agrarios es una preocupación a nivel global. Esta pérdida se relaciona con la intensificación de las prácticas agrícolas, el uso inadecuado de agroquímicos y la fragmentación de hábitats naturales. Todo esto afecta la diversidad vegetal y tiene un impacto en el funcionamiento del ecosistema, limitando los servicios ecosistémicos. Promover una mayor diversidad funcional en los márgenes de nuestros cultivos es una meta alcanzable mediante el manejo de los recursos que nos ofrece la flora arvense. En particular, las especies de la familia Brassicaceae Burnett (en adelante, crucíferas), desempeñan un papel fundamental en los agrosistemas al atraer enemigos naturales de plagas y proporcionar néctar y polen a los polinizadores. El objetivo de este estudio era detectar y estimar los recursos florales ofrecidos por las crucíferas en presencia de otras especies arvenses. Para ello, se diseñó un experimento en la finca “La Poveda” (CSIC, Madrid) en 2023, en el que se llevaron a cabo hasta 4 vuelos con un dron sobre los márgenes florales donde se encontraban tres crucíferas de interés: Diplotaxis tenuifolia, Eruca vesicaria y Moricandia arvensis. Estas especies representan algunos de los rasgos funcionales clave de las crucíferas que suelen estar presentes en nuestros agrosistemas. La detección de estas especies se realizó mediante el análisis de imágenes capturadas por el dron y la implementación de arquitecturas de redes neuronales convolucionales. En este trabajo, presentamos los primeros resultados de los modelos que estamos desarrollando.

Abstract Supporting sustainable strategies to promote functional biodiversity in agroforestry systems is a priority for increasing biological conservation protection against enemies of existing crops and forest species. For the Conservation biological control, it is important to implement management practices that maintain and contribute to enhancing the reproduction, survival and efficiency of both pollinators and beneficial entomofauna that regulate the population of crop enemies. Plant species suitable for promoting increased population levels of these natural enemies and pollinators, ensuring their food needs (e.g. pollen, nectar, honeydew) and shelter (alternative hosts), are fundamental. In this context, regarding pollinating insects and, in particular, the domestic bee, Apis mellifera iberiensis, this work aims to contribute to the knowledge of the flora that meet these requirements, and at the same time, contribute to increasing the value of the domestic bee for the Ecosystem Services.

Resumo Apoiar estratégias sustentáveis para o fomento da biodiversidade funcional nos sistemas agroflorestais é uma prioridade para o incremento da proteção biológica de conservação contra os inimigos das culturas e espécies florestais existentes. Para o controlo biológico de conservação, é importante a implementação de práticas de gestão que mantenham e contribuam para potenciar a reprodução, sobrevivência e eficiência, tanto dos polinizadores quanto da entomofauna benéfica que regula a população dos inimigos das culturas. As espécies de plantas adequadas para fomentar o aumento dos níveis populacionais destes inimigos naturais e dos polinizadores, garantindo as suas necessidades alimentares (por exemplo, pólen, néctar, melada) e abrigo (hospedeiros alternativos), são fundamentais. Neste contexto, relativamente a insetos polinizadores e, em particular à abelha doméstica, Apis mellifera iberiensis, pretende-se, com este trabalho, contribuir para um melhor conhecimento sobre a flora associada e, ao mesmo tempo, contribuir para incrementar o valor da abelha doméstica nos Serviços dos Ecossistemas.

Abstract Ocotea velloziana (Lauraceae) is a species with cryptic dioecy. The staminate flowers of this species have a pistillode and pistillate flowers have staminodes, which often makes it difficult to describe circumscribe the reproductive system correctly. Therefore, to understand the evolution of dioecy in this species, the morphology of both floral morphotypes needs to be described. We apply traditional and modern approaches to describe the comparative floral anatomy of the two floral morphotypes in O. velloziana. We found that the pistillate flowers have fewer (three) vascular traces in the tepals (compared to five traces in the tepals of the staminate flowers). The pistillode and the staminodes in the flowers of O. velloziana are smaller and less vascularized than their homologous, fertile counterparts, the pistils and stamens. In addition, even though the nectaries are smaller in pistillate flowers, their basic morphology and vascularization are similar in the two floral morphotypes. Our results suggest androtepaly in O. velloziana, however future ontogenetic studies and investigation of the vascularization are necessary in other Lauraceae species to clarify this issue. The nectaries have originated from the hypanthium and may be characterized as nectar-secreting emergencies not homologous to the stamens. (Lauraceae correctly Therefore described O three (three compared flowers. . flowers) counterparts stamens addition issue nectarsecreting nectar secreting

Resumo Em Ocotea velloziana (Lauraceae) ocorre a dioicia críptica, na qual flores estaminadas possuem pistilódios e flores pistiladas possuem estaminódios, muitas vezes difíceis de distinguir de estruturas funcionais. A descrição das características anatômicas e morfológicas das flores pistiladas e estaminadas é necessária para compreender completamente a evolução da dioicia nesta espécie. Neste estudo, aplicamos abordagens tradicionais e modernas para o estudo da anatomia floral comparativa dos dois morfotipos florais de O. velloziana. Os resultados mostraram que as flores pistiladas de O. velloziana possuem menos (três) traços vasculares nas tépalas (versus cinco traços nas tépalas das flores estaminadas). O pistilódio e os estaminódios nas flores de O. velloziana são menores e menos vascularizados do que suas contrapartes homólogas e férteis, ou seja, os pistilos e os estames. Além disso, embora os nectários sejam menores nas flores pistiladas, sua morfologia básica e vascularização são semelhantes nos dois morfotipos florais. Nossos resultados sugerem androtepalia em O. velloziana, porém futuros estudos ontogenéticos e investigação da vascularização são necessários em outras espécies de Lauraceae para esclarecer completamente esta questão. Os nectários originam-se do hipanto e podem ser caracterizados como emergências secretoras de néctar não homólogas aos estames. (Lauraceae críptica funcionais espécie três (três versus estaminadas. . estaminadas) férteis seja estames disso questão originamse originam se

Abstract Honey is a natural food derived from nectar and other natural plant secretions, collected, and processed by bees. To be safely consumed, it must be free of chemical contamination and have quality and identity parameters following established standards. The continuous search for agricultural productivity has increased the use of pesticides, widely used in crops. Residues of these compounds have been found in honey samples. This work aimed to determine the physicochemical parameters and verify the presence of pesticides in Apis mellifera bee honey sold in the regions of Pelotas and Rio Grande/in Rio Grande do Sul state (RS)/ Brazil. The honey samples presented values for the physicochemical parameters within the acceptable limits established by Brazilian legislation. Among the 100 pesticides investigated, the insecticide λ-cyhalothrin was detected in 50% of the samples in concentrations between 5.95 and 25.30 µg/kg. The calculated estimated daily intake was 1.0×10-4 µg/kg bw/day, below the maximum limits Brazilian and European legislation recommended. The results contribute to the generation of data on the quality of honey produced in the region, thus ensuring safe consumption, however, it causes an alert about the environmental contamination by the pollinators bee’s exposure to pesticides in regions with intense agricultural activity. secretions collected bees consumed standards crops Grandein RS/ RS / (RS) Brazil 10 investigated λcyhalothrin λ cyhalothrin 50 595 5 95 5.9 2530 25 30 25.3 µgkg µg kg 1.0×104 10104 1.0×10 4 1 0 1.0×10- bwday bw day bw/day recommended region consumption however s activity (RS 59 9 5. 253 2 3 25. 104 1010 1.0×1 101 1.0× 1.0 1.

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 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,

Flower mites are well-known nectar and pollen thieves of hummingbird-pollinated plants in the Americas, where they may reduce seed set and alter host population dynamics. They use hummingbirds for transport and are pollinators of some plants. Among African ornithophilous Protea shrubs, the hummingbird-pollination niche is occupied by sugarbirds and sunbirds that often carry substantial numbers of flower mites. The role of these mites in Protea pollination and seed set is unknown. We investigated the role of flower mites as pollinators of ornithophilous Protea neriifolia in South Africa using field-based exclusion experiments. Their role as pollen and nectar consumers was quantified using laboratory-based feeding studies. We demonstrate that even though they consume pollen and nectar, flower mites are not pollinators of P. neriifolia. Quantification of nectar consumption rates indicated that these mites likely have little effect on nectar availability for pollinating birds. However, flower mites may consume more than 50% of available P. neriifolia pollen when mite numbers peak. Flower mites on African ornithophilous Protea may therefore significantly decrease Protea male fitness and significantly impact Protea population dynamics.

The appropriate management of the habitat of the endangered and endemic White-spotted Ketsi Blue butterfly, Lepidochrysops ketsi leucomacula Henning & Henning, 1994, is necessary for its survival. Much of the life history and ecology of this butterfly are unknown. The oviposition plant was found to be Selago tarach-odes Hilliard and the plants that were observed to be visited by L. k. leucomacula for nectar all had pink flowers. Monitoring of two populations of L. k. leucomacula in protected areas commenced in March 2022. Surveillance and walked transects were the monitoring methods used. Observed threats to this endangered butterfly in protected areas were uncontrolled grazing by domestic livestock and mowing of its grassland habitat. Fencing of its grassland habitat may be a way to control these threats.

Resumen La miel es una solución sobresaturada de azúcares que además contiene pequeñas cantidades de enzimas, vitaminas, compuestos fenólicos (por ejemplo, flavonoides), terpenos, ácidos orgánicos y peróxido de hidrógeno. La presencia de estas sustancias explica la actividad biológica de la miel y la absorción de radiación ultravioleta. La miel es uno de los tres alimentos más adulterados a nivel mundial. Para detectar dichas adulteraciones se utilizan técnicas de alta complejidad y sensibilidad, como el análisis isotópico y la resonancia magnética nuclear. Sin embargo, un método analítico más simple, rápido, de bajo costo y más accesible sería más conveniente para realizar análisis de alimentos, particularmente para productos apícolas. En este sentido, la espectroscopia UV-Vis junto con el análisis quimiométrico se han utilizado amplia y exitosamente para analizar productos apícolas. Por lo tanto, este estudio tiene como objetivo validar una metodología basada en el uso de espectroscopía UV-Vis acoplada al análisis quimiométricos para diferenciar el néctar recién recolectado por las abejas de la miel parcialmente madura y de la miel. Se recolectaron muestras de diferentes orígenes geográficos y botánicos en dos localidades de Argentina; un ensayo se realizó en Tucumán (en el flujo principal de néctar de limón) y el otro en Entre Ríos (floración de eucaliptos). Se registraron espectros entre 190 nm y 420 nm y se aplicaron diferentes métodos de proyección, incluyendo el análisis de componentes principales, FreeViz y el análisis discriminante lineal. De los resultados se concluye que la espectroscopía UV-Vis acoplada al análisis quimiométrico permite diferenciar el néctar recientemente recolectado de la miel parcialmente madura y de la miel y que los compuestos fenólicos están presentes principalmente en la miel, lo que podría incidir favorablemente en su actividad biológica.

Abstract Honey is a supersaturated solution of sugars that also contains small amounts of enzymes, vitamins, phenolic compounds (e.g., flavonoids), terpenes, organic acids and hydrogen peroxide. The presence of such substances explains honey’s biological activity and absorbance of ultraviolet radiation. Honey is one of the three most adulterated foods worldwide. High-complexity and sensitivity techniques are used to detect such adulterations, like isotopic analysis and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. However, a simpler, high-speed, low cost and more accessible analytical method would be more convenient to perform food analyses, particularly for bee products. In this regard, UV-Vis spectroscopy coupled with chemometric analysis has been widely and successfully used to analyze bee products. Therefore, this study aims to validate a methodology based on the use of UV-Vis spectroscopy coupled with chemometric analysis to differentiate the nectar recently collected by bees from partially mature honey and honey. Samples of different geographical and botanical origins were collected from two locations in Argentina; one trial was carried out in Tucumán (in the main lemon flow) and the other in Entre Ríos (eucalyptus flowering). Spectra between 190 nm and 420 nm were recorded and different projection methods were applied, including principal component analysis, FreeViz, and linear discriminant analysis. From the results, it is concluded that UV-Vis spectroscopy coupled with chemometric analysis allows differentiating recently collected nectar from partially mature honey and honey and that phenolic compounds are highly present in mature honey, which could favourably affect its biological activity.

RESUMEN La investigación se centró en la elaboración de néctar a base de Quito Quito con pulpa y pectina extraída a partir de la cáscara de Mango Serrano, con la previa caracterización fisicoquímica de la pulpa y cáscara del Mango Serrano, en la que se encontró diferencias significativas en pH, acidez y solidos solubles totales. A partir de la cáscara seca del Mango Serrano se extrajo la pectina mediante el método acuoso, posteriormente se caracterizó el peso equivalente (1250), contenido de metoxilo (9,34), ácido anhidro urónico (67,11), grado de esterificación (79,01), capacidad, estabilidad emulsionante (364%; 21,53%), y espumante (1,35%; 1%). Se observó una mayor retención en agua (34,04 g/g) que en aceite (19 g/g). También se analizaron características proximales como humedad (9,95%), cenizas (4,87%) y actividad de agua (0,508); en características bioactivas se evaluó las proteínas (74,47 mg BSAE/100g), clorofila a (2,86 µg Ch-a/g) y b (2,51 µg Ch-b/g) y carotenoides totales (67,12 µg C x+c/g). Posteriormente, se elaboró el néctar en T1 (70% Mango Serrano y 30% Quito Quito); T2 (50% Mango Serrano y 50% Quito Quito) y T3 (30% Mango Serrano y 70% Quito Quito) y se evaluó la aceptabilidad mediante 35 panelistas no entrenados, considerando el color, olor, sabor y textura, cuyo resultado del análisis de varianza no paramétrico el T3 fue el mejor aceptado y al cuál se evaluó características físicas como viscosidad en cP (151,84) y color considerando L* (33,92), a* (5,26) b* (21,76), demostrando así la influencia de añadidura de la pectina extraída en sus propiedades.

ABSTRACT The research focused on the elaboration of nectar based on Quito Quito with pulp and pectin extracted from the Serrano mango peel, in which significant differences were found in pH, acidity and total soluble solids. Pectin was extracted from the dry peel of the serrano mango using the aqueous method and subsequently characterized, being the equivalent weight (1250), methoxyl content (9.34), uronic anhydrous acid (67.11), degree of esterification (79.01), capacity, emulsifying stability (364%; 21.53%), and foaming (1.35%; 1%). Greater retention will be observed in water (34.04 g/g) than in oil (19 g/g). Proximate characteristics such as humidity (9.95%), ash (4.87%) and water activity (0.508) were also analyzed; In bioactive characteristics, proteins (74.47 mg BSAE/100g), chlorophyll a (2.86 µg Ch-a/g) and b (2.51 µg Ch-b/g) and total carotenoids (67.12 µg Cx+c/g). Subsequently, the nectar was made in T1 (70% serrano mango and 30% Quito Quito); T2 (50% Serrano mango and 50% Quito Quito) and T3 (30% Serrano mango and 70% Quito Quito). To which the acceptability was evaluated by 35 untrained panelists, considering the color, smell, flavor and texture, whose result of the analysis of non-parametric variance, T3 was the best accepted and which evaluated physical characteristics such as viscosity were evaluated in cP (151.84) and color considering L* (33.92), a* (5.26) b* (21.76), thus demonstrating the influence of the added pectin extracted on its properties.

Resumen: Antecedentes: Centrosema (Fabaceae) es un género de 35-44 especies en el Nuevo Mundo, 10 en México y 9 en la península de Yucatán. La mayoría de las especies tienen hojas trifolioladas y flores bicolores. Las hojas unifolioladas son un carácter poco frecuente que se encuentra en pocas especies; p.ej. C. sagittatum (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Brandegee, pero las flores monocromáticas, que carecen de guías de néctar, es incluso un estado de carácter más inusual. Varias poblaciones de Centrosema de la península de Yucatán comparten ambos estados de carácter, una combinación que las separa de otras especies del género. Pregunta: ¿Es el Centrosema de hojas unifolioladas, pecíolos alados y flores monocromáticas de la península de Yucatán una especie diferente de la fenéticamente similar C. sagittatum? Especies de estudio: Centrosema (Fabaceae, Papilionoideae). Sitio de estudio y fecha de estudio: Península de Yucatán, México, 2021-2023. Métodos: Se recolectaron especímenes botánicos y se determinaron taxonómicamente mediante el uso de literatura relevante, claves y la consulta de colecciones botánicas. El estado de conservación de la nueva especie se evaluó utilizando la metodología de la UICN. Resultados: Los especímenes colectados representan una especie no descrita que se diferencia de C. sagittatum por las flores cremosas, monocromáticas y más pequeñas. La especie es evaluada como En Peligro (EN). Conclusiones: Se describe una nueva especie, Centrosema flavescens, de la península de Yucatán. Se reconocen once especies de Centrosema en México y nueve en la península de Yucatán. Centrosema sagittatum no crece en la península de Yucatán.

Abstract Background: Centrosema (Fabaceae) includes 35-44 species in the New World, 10 in Mexico, and 9 in the Yucatan Peninsula. Most species have trifoliolate leaves and bicolored flowers. Unifoliolate leaves are an infrequent character that is found in a few species, e.g., C. sagittatum (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Brandegee, but monochromatic flowers, e.g., lacking nectar guides, is even a more unusual character state. Several populations of a Centrosema from the Yucatan Peninsula share both character states, a combination that sets them apart from other members of the genus. Question: Is the Centrosema with unifoliolate leaves, alate petioles, and monochromatic flowers of the Yucatan Peninsula, a species distinct from the phenetically similar C. sagittatum? Studied species: Centrosema (Fabaceae, Papilionoideae). Study site and dates: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, 2021-2023. Methods: Botanical specimens were collected and determined taxonomically through the use of relevant literature, keys, and the consulting of botanical collections. The conservation status of the new species was assessed using the IUCN methodology. Results: The specimens collected do represent an undescribed species that differs from Centrosema sagittatum by its smaller, cream-yellow, monochromatic flowers. The species is assessed as Endangered (EN). Conclusions: A new species, Centrosema flavescens from the Yucatan Peninsula is proposed. Eleven species of Centrosema are now recognized in Mexico, nine in the Yucatan Peninsula. C. sagittatum does not occur in the Yucatan Peninsula.