Pollen spectrum collected by Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides Lepeletier, 1863 (Apidae: Meliponini) in an anthropized region of Caatinga

Abstract

The stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides is a major pollinator of the Brazilian semi-arid region (Caatinga), it is widely used in meliponiculture due to the economic value of the honey. The goals of this study were to identify the floral resources exploited by these bees in a human-modified area from Caatinga in Bahia, and to provide a pollen calendar that might be helpful to beekeepers. Pollen loads were collected monthly from each colony over a 7-month period. Twenty pollen morphotypes were identified with high frequencies of pollen types belonging to Myrtaceae, Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae and Solanaceae. The dominant pollens were represented by Mimosa 1 and Mimosa arenosa (Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae). The accessory types were Mimosa tenuiflora, and Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae), while Solanum 1 and Solanum 2 represented major isolated pollen types. Some morphotypes, such as those from Mimosa are common in anthropized areas, thus playing a major role in the survival of bee colonies from areas where floral resources are limited. The present result revealed that Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides interacts with several plant species, thus highlighting the importance of conserving the regional flora. Moreover, the pollen calendar obtained is particularly useful to the management of this stingless bee in meliponary since it provides information about the plants that can be used as pollen source throughout the year. This information is also helpful for both the conservation of regional biodiversity and beekeeping in local agriculture.