Areas of natural occurrence of Melipona scutellaris Latreille, 1811 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in the state of Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

The bee Melipona scutellaris is considered the reared meliponine species with the largest distribution in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, with records from the state of Rio Grande do Norte down to the state of Bahia. Considering the importance of this species in the generation of income for family agriculture and in the preservation of areas with natural vegetation, this study aimed at providing knowledge on the distribution of natural colonies of M. scutellaris in the state of Bahia. Literature information, interviews with stingless bee beekeepers, and expeditions were conducted to confirm the natural occurrence of the species. A total of 102 municipalities showed records for M. scutellaris, whose occurrence was observed in areas ranging from sea level up to 1,200-meter height. The occurrence of this species in the state of Bahia is considered to be restricted to municipalities on the coastal area and the Chapada Diamantina with its rainforests. Geographic coordinates, elevation, climate and vegetation data were obtained, which allowed a map to be prepared for the area of occurrence in order to support conservation and management policies for the species.

Sneaky queens in Melipona bees selectively detect and infiltrate queenless colonies

“…However, the São Paulo region is not within the natural range of this species, being ca. 1000 km south of the southernmost edge of its range (Camargo & Pedro 2007;Alves et al 2012). We therefore argue that the gynes did not have access to more colonies than in natural populations, and that our data are not inflated by a high colony density in the apiary.…”

Genetic variability and population structure in Melipona scutellaris (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from Bahia, Brazil, based on molecular markers

“…Under this perspective, the municipalities at coastal regions are characterized by a humid to subhumid weather, with mean temperatures from 19 to 25ºC and high annual rainfall index, up to 2,001 mm/year. Inversely, the localities within middle to high altitudes are in semiarid region with subhumid to dry climate, mean temperature of 20-26º C and rainfall lower than 1,200 mm/year (SEI 2007;Alves et al 2012). In fact, the differential temperature, humidity, rainfall, and levels of secondary compounds along altitude gradients might influence the distribution of organisms, mainly insects (Carneiro et al 1995).…”

Nectar profitability, not empty honey stores, stimulate recruitment and foraging in Melipona scutellaris (Apidae, Meliponini)

“…Melipona (Michmelia) scutellaris Latreille 1811 is an endangered species in its natural habitat (Batista et al 2003), the NE-Brazilian Atlantic rainforests (Schwarz 1948;Moure 1975;Alves et al 2012). It is frequently kept outside its natural habitats for its tasty honey.…”