Observations on the urban ecology of the Neotropical stingless bee <i>Tetragonisca angustula</i> (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)

Abstract

Abstract. Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille) is a small, docile, cavity-nesting stingless bee that is widely distributed in the Neotropical region. This species is particularly abundant in disturbed environments, including human settlements. Between August 2005 and March 2006, we located and followed during eight months 59 nests of this species in Medellín, the second most populated city in Colombia. Herein, we document their foraging behavior, mortality, and incidence of predators and natural enemies. Also, to determine if higher ambient temperature and light intensity in urban environments affect the daily foraging activity of T. angustula, we compared the daily foraging activity of bees from nests found in open areas in the city and bees from nests from a nearby covered, forested area. Likewise, to determine if urban nests of T. angustula are largely undetected and undisturbed by people, we experimentally made them visible by adding a ring color (white, red, or black) around the nest entrance tube. Our observations indicate that higher ambient temperature and light intensity in urban environments do not significantly affect the daily foraging activity of T. angustula. Nearly half of the marked nests disappeared, thus suggesting that nests of T. angustula are often undetected by people in Medellín. We discuss briefly some features of the biology of T. angustula that might contribute to its success in urban environments.

Body size limits dim-light foraging activity in stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini)

“…Based on the small body size, we expect that light sensitivity in stingless bees is, on average, lower compared to that of medium to large sized species, such as honeybees and bumblebees, and that within the Meliponini, smaller species are more restricted than larger ones in foraging time. Body size related temporal segregation of foraging has been previously demonstrated (Hrncir and Maia-Silva 2013 ), but so far it has been attributed mainly to temperature constraints (Pereboom and Biesmeijer 2003 ), whereas light intensity has rarely been considered as a limiting factor (Velez-Ruiz et al 2013 ).…”

Population structuring of the ubiquitous stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula in southern Brazil as revealed by microsatellite and mitochondrial markers

“…Colonies comprise up to 5000 individuals (Lindauer & Kerr, 1960), and are usually built in tree trunks or in wall cavities. It swarms frequently and is extremely successful in urban environments (Batista et al, 2003;Slaa, 2006;Velez-Ruiz et al, 2013).…”

Genetic structure of the stingless beeTetragonisca angustula

“…Colonies comprise up to 5,000 individuals (Lindauer & Kerr 1960), and are usually built in tree trunks or in wall cavities. It presents high rates of swarming and it is extremely successful in surviving in urban environments (Batista et al 2003; Slaa 2006; Velez-Ruiz et al 2013). In addition, T. angustula is one of the most cultivated stingless bees in Latin America (Nogueira-Neto 1997; Cortopassi-Laurino et al 2006) and nest transportation and trading is very common among beekeepers.…”