Characterization of stingless bees in seven municipalities of Solola
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19371768Keywords:
meliponaries, meliponiculturist, meliponins, pollination, stingless beesAbstract
Introduction: The study focuses on the characterization of meliponines, motivated by the observed decrease in the populations of stingless bees and the absence of records of these species. Objective: To characterize the diversity of native stingless bees (Meliponini) in the communities of the southern basin of Lake Atitlán, through field observation, collection of specimens and their taxonomic identification based on morphological characteristics. Method: Under the qualitative approach, visits were made to meliponares and semi-structured interviews with meliponicultures, biological tours in surrounding areas for direct observation of the species. In order to identify, entomological equipment was used, including aspirators and collection vials. The specimens were analyzed using morphological characteristics and dichotomous keys for their taxonomic determination. Results: A total of 13 species of meliponins are reported, grouped into 6 genera: Melipona (2), Trigona (3), Paratrigona (1), Tetragonisca (1), Scaptotrigona (1), Partamona (1) and Plebeia (4). Of that total, 12 species are under management in the meliponarians. The existence of a total of seven meliponarians, located in four municipalities, was documented. Regarding the wild and cultivated flora that provide floral resources, in the area of the research it is considered that bees use the resources of at least fifty botanical families. Conclusion: In communities of rapid population growth, meliponares are oases of conservation of these species of bees, and of rescue due to the work carried out by meliponiculturists to protect and rescue nests endangered by human activity.
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