Comparative analysis of Melipona beecheii pollen foraging preferences in deciduous, semi-deciduous, and semi-evergreen tropical forests of the Yucatan Peninsula

Abstract

Melipona beecheii is the primary species used for meliponiculture in the Yucatan Peninsula. However, both the bees and meliponiculture are at risk due to deforestation and habitat disturbance. Although some studies have explored the food resources utilized by M. beecheii in the region, the relationship between these resources and the characteristics of the vegetation surrounding the meliponaries has not been examined. Consequently, we conducted a palynological study of pot-pollen from 29 colonies located across the three primary vegetation types of the Yucatan Peninsula. We analyzed our findings using existing descriptions of the meliponaries’ vegetation. Approximately 1500 pollen grains were counted per sample, comprising 69 pollen morphotypes. We identified 40 species, 45 genera, and 27 plant families, with Fabaceae and tree plants predominating. Meliponaries located in semi-evergreen forests exhibited the highest pollen richness, although similarities in richness and in the number of effective and dominant species were noted among the meliponaries in different vegetation types. We also observed varied pollen composition among vegetation types and a significant positive correlation between plant richness and pot-pollen richness. However, this relationship did not extend to the number of effective or dominant species. No relationship was found between the relative abundance of plant pollen on meliponaries and the absolute density or cover of these plants in the vegetation surrounding the meliponaries. Our results indicate that M. beecheii selectively favors pollen from a small group of tree species while maintaining a diverse diet, probably to ensure that the colony obtains all essential nutrients.