Review article

https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.56.4.10

Native stingless bees, their social and ecosystem roles – a review

Lyda C. Caballero Méndez orcid.org/0000-0001-6504-3149 ; Grupo de investigación BIOECOS, Profesora de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia *
Daniel Salazar Ríos ; Biológo, meliponicultor Fundación Najil Cab, Chinchiná, Caldas, Colombia
Juan F. Chica Builes ; Grupo de investigación BIOECOS, Director Codegar, Pereira, Colombia
Luz Natalia Franco-Montoya orcid.org/0000-0002-9099-1463 ; Grupo de investigación CIBAV, Profesora Asociada adscrita a la Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Pollinators are animal vectors such as some insects, birds, and mammals that fulfil a biological function in most terrestrial ecosys- tems and contribute to the genetic variability of plants. Bees are the best known pollina- tors. These insects constitute a highly diverse group that depend on flowers to guarantee their survival and complete their life cycle. They are considered necessary floral visitors that pollinate many plant species. Stingless bees, called meliponines, are essential pol- linators in tropical and subtropical ecosys- tems, at elevations from sea level to 3400 metres. Their products, such as pollen and honey, have great medicinal value in human health. However, a lack of knowledge con- cerning their diversity, distribution, biology, and taxonomy has led to population declines, putting the pollination service they provide at risk. One of the strategies to promote their conservation is the development of meliponi- culture, which is considered a productive breeding practice that, when well-managed, can ensure care and conservation of these pollinators. This review aims to analyse the importance of native bees and the products obtained from their services in the balance of ecosystems.

Keywords

biodiversity; honey; insects; meliponines; pollination; stingless bee

Hrčak ID:

322704

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/322704

Publication date:

26.1.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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