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Honey produced by stingless bees has distinct nutritional and physicochemical properties that vary depending on the bee species, floral origin and environmental conditions under which it is produced. Honey diversity has been scarcely studied for most species managed in Bolivia. Moreover, the lack of legislation regarding honey quality parameters or pollen characterization allowing its identification hinders its commercialization. The present study analyzes pollen composition, through melissopalynological analysis, and the physicochemical properties of honey produced by the stingless bees Tetragonisca angustula, Scaptotrigona depilis and Scaptotrigona polysticta in a Boliviano-Tucumano forest. Moisture, ash content, free acidity, sugar profile, hydroxymethylfurfural, pH, water-insoluble solids, relative density and diastase activity were determined. Pollen diversity was determined, and a cluster analysis evaluated the similarity of pollen between honey samples. Almost all honey samples were monofloral, but honey from T. angustulawas more diverse. Similarly, pollen abundance in T. angustula honey was significatively higher than in S. depilis. Physicochemical parameters for T. angustula and S. polysticta honey met almost all the requirements (except reducing sugars for T angustutla and water-insoluble solids in both cases) of the Brazilian and Argentinean normatives for stingless bee honey while honey of S. depilis exceeded the limits in three parameters (non-reducing sugars, PH and water-insoluble solids). However, none of the honeys meet the parameter for moisture, reducing sugars and relative density in the Bolivian Normative. Additionally, S. depilis didn't met the parameters for non-reducing sugars and PH. The design of a national legislation that adapts to the physicochemical singularity of every native species commonly bred in Bolivia is highly desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new cyclic natural compound formed by succinic acid and two alanine amino acid units was isolated from the Tetragonisca angustula honey extract. The chemical structure of 1 was established based on spectroscopic data analysis, including one- (1H and 13C NMR) and two-dimensional NMR techniques (1H-1H-COSY, HSQC and HMBC). A primary culture model previously infected with Neospora caninum was used to evaluate 1 for two time intervals (24 and 72 h), showing a reduction (40-56%) of the number of tachyzoites in the first 24 h and until 72 h, a dose-dependent reduction in parasite proliferation (25-50%). Glial cells treated with 1 did not demonstrate toxicity at concentrations up to 25 ug/mL. Treated and infected cultures showed an increase in NO when compared to control cells in 24 h and 72 h. In silico studies suggest that the new compound may affect DNA synthesis and impair -protein production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The current state of anthropogenic climate change is particularly concerning for tropical insects, species predicted to be the most negatively affected. Researching climatic tolerance in social insects is challenging because adaptations exist at both individual and societal levels. Division of labor research helps to bridge the gap between our understanding of these adaptations at different scales, which is important because social insects comprise a tremendous portion of global animal biomass, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Considering how individual physiologies construct group-level adaptations can improve climate change impact assessments for social species. Tetragonisca angustula is a neotropical stingless bee species that exhibits high worker subcaste specialization with a morphologically distinct soldier caste. Methods: We used this species to investigate 1) whether age-and size-differentiated subcastes differ in thermal tolerance, 2) which worker subcaste operates closest to their thermal limits, and 3) the extent to which this species selects active foraging times to offset thermal stress. We measured the thermal tolerance (CTmax and CTmin) of small-bodied foragers and two soldier subcastes (hovering guards and standing guards) in T. angustula. Results and discussion: Despite body size differences between foragers and guards, no differences in the upper or lower thermal limits were observed. However, the average thermal tolerance breadth of foragers was significantly larger than that of guards, and foraging sites were more thermally variable than nest sites, supporting the Climatic Variability Hypothesis at a microclimate scale and in the context of division of labor. Warming tolerance was significantly lower among small-bodied foragers compared to hovering and standing guards. The magnitude of warming tolerances indicated low risk of imminent climate change impacts in this environment but suggests that increasing temperatures and heatwave prevalence may cause foragers to meet their upper thermal limits before other subcastes. Foraging occurred at a narrower range of temperatures than would challenge critical temperatures, with higher morning activity. Directionally increasing temperatures will likely confine these preferred foraging temperatures to a narrower time window. Further study is needed to elucidate how foragers may shift times of activity in response to anthropogenic warming, but changing climates may impact plant pollination rates in natural and agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antagonistic interaction between wasps and bees has long driven the attention of beekeepers and evolutionary entomologists. In the most classic reported interaction, Vespa velutina may invade the nest of honeybees and kill many of workers. Although this interaction has been registered to Asian honeybees, which was shown how to defend the nests, little or no attention has been given to similar interactions in the Neotropical region. Here, we report for the first time an antagonistic interaction between the wasp Polybia ignobilis and the stingless bees, Tetragonisca angustula. The wasp of this species was recorded killing and chewing guard bees near at the nest entrance of the stingless bee. Although our report is limited to answer evolutionary aspects of this interaction, it raises questions which may help to understand in the future the reasons this behavior evolved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pollination is an ecosystem service of utmost importance for agriculture. In this context, the study aimed to evaluate the pollination service of naturally occurring bees and after densification with colonies of stingless bees (Nannotrigona testceicornis and Tetragonisca angustula) in commercial strawberry plantation. The study was carried out in the four seasons of the year and under two experimental conditions: natural pollination (NP) and pollination under bee densification. The supply of flowers and bee density were estimated. For bee densification, four boxes of colonies of Iraí bees and four of Jataí bees were placed near the strawberry plantation. Five treatments were established for each condition, considering NP and pollination with bee densification on different days from flower anthesis, ranging from the 1st to the 5th day. Fruits were harvested, quantified, and submitted to evaluations to determine biometry, degree of deformity, and percentage of fertilized achenes. Results: There was a higher density in summer compared to other seasons in both conditions evaluated. The weight was greater (20.19 g) when fruits were pollinated on the first day after floral anthesis under pollination conditions with bee densification. It was observed that free pollination provided fruits with greater a greater of deformation of flowers on the fourth and fifth day after anthesis. However, when bee density became higher, the greatest degree of deformity was observed only in fifth-day fruits. The densification with stingless bees provided a 50% increase in the number of bees present on strawberry plants in summer and also a 15% increase in fruit weight and the occurrence of a lower degree of fruit deformity. Conclusions: Density with stingless bees provided a 50% increase in the number of bees present on strawberry plant in the summer, with an improvement in fruit quality and aggregate commercial value, providing a 15% increase in fruit weight and a lower degree of deformity under the conditions of densification of Iraí (N. testceicornis) and Jataí (T. angustula) bees. Under the evaluated conditions, the introduction of stingless bee boxes in the summer is recommended.

IntroductionThe current state of anthropogenic climate change is particularly concerning for tropical insects, species predicted to be the most negatively affected. Researching climatic tolerance in social insects is challenging because adaptations exist at both individual and societal levels. Division of labor research helps to bridge the gap between our understanding of these adaptations at different scales, which is important because social insects comprise a tremendous portion of global animal biomass, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Considering how individual physiologies construct group-level adaptations can improve climate change impact assessments for social species. Tetragonisca angustula is a neotropical stingless bee species that exhibits high worker subcaste specialization with a morphologically distinct soldier caste.MethodsWe used this species to investigate 1) whether age- and size-differentiated subcastes differ in thermal tolerance, 2) which worker subcaste operates closest to their thermal limits, and 3) the extent to which this species selects active foraging times to offset thermal stress. We measured the thermal tolerance (CTmax and CTmin) of small-bodied foragers and two soldier subcastes (hovering guards and standing guards) in T. angustula.Results and discussionDespite body size differences between foragers and guards, no differences in the upper or lower thermal limits were observed. However, the average thermal tolerance breadth of foragers was significantly larger than that of guards, and foraging sites were more thermally variable than nest sites, supporting the Climatic Variability Hypothesis at a microclimate scale and in the context of division of labor. Warming tolerance was significantly lower among small-bodied foragers compared to hovering and standing guards. The magnitude of warming tolerances indicated low risk of imminent climate change impacts in this environment but suggests that increasing temperatures and heatwave prevalence may cause foragers to meet their upper thermal limits before other subcastes. Foraging occurred at a narrower range of temperatures than would challenge critical temperatures, with higher morning activity. Directionally increasing temperatures will likely confine these preferred foraging temperatures to a narrower time window. Further study is needed to elucidate how foragers may shift times of activity in response to anthropogenic warming, but changing climates may impact plant pollination rates in natural and agricultural systems.

Tetragonisca angustula is the most widespread stingless bee species, from Mexico to Northern Argentina. It is called Mariola in Costa Rica. Native plant species offering food resources and nesting sites to stingless bees are included in reforestation and conservation programs. In Costa Rica there are continuous initiatives on listing flora supporting meliponiculture. In this study, a sample of pot-honey was collected from sealed honey pots within nests of Tetragonisca angustula in Alajuela, Costa Rica. It was acetolyzed following standard methods and the pollen types were visualized by microscopic analysis at 200X magnification using a Nikon Eclipse Ni binocular scope. Electronic brightfield micro-photographs were obtained at 1000X magnification and pollen types were plated. Palynological descriptions were provided for major pollen grains. The botanical identifications of plant families and genera were established by comparison with pollen atlases and were validated consulting the 2022 Tropicos Missouri Botanical Garden database. Seventy-nine pollen types were recognized in the pollen spectrum, representing 36 families and 67 genera of flowering plants. Their habits were trees (51%), lianas/vine (11%), herbs (19%), herb/tree (5%), shrubs (5%), shrub/tree (1%) and not assigned (8%). This assemblage indicated the presence of lowland tropical forest elements, probably small relicts of secondary forest surrounding open and cultivated areas where Coffea arabica pollen dominated in the honey pollen spectrum with 54.3% of total counts, with secondary Paullinia sp. 8.7%, Vochysia sp. 4.8% and Cassia sp. 4.2% and 95% of pollen taxa present in < 3% relative frequency. Taxa offering only pollen (polleniferous) were considered honey contaminants (32%) not explaining the nectar botanical origin of honey.

We characterized Tetragonisca angustula and Melipona beecheii honeys produced in Costa Rica according to their physical and chemical properties. Moreover, we found critical parameters that distinguish the honeys from each other. Forty-eight samples of honey of both stingless bee species were analyzed (T. angustula, n = 32; M. beecheii, n = 16). T. angustula honey is characterized by having significantly higher average values of proline (464.6 mg/kg), ash (0.481 g/100 g), diastase (17.5 Schade units/g), and free acidity (79.4 me/kg); while M. beecheii honey has significantly higher average values for fructose (32.7 g/100g), glucose (28.2- 30.2 g/100 g), water content (23.5 g/100 g), and invertase activity (65.7 U/kg). It was inferred from the results obtained that the honey produced by M. beecheii comes from nectars with a higher sugar concentration compared to the nectars used by T. angustula to produce their honey, which it was in good accordance to previous literature reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetragonisca angustula is the most widespread stingless bee species, from Mexico to Northern Argentina. It is called Mariola in Costa Rica. Native plant species offering food resources and nesting sites to stingless bees are included in reforestation and conservation programs. In Costa Rica there are continuous initiatives on listing flora supporting meliponiculture. In this study, a sample of pot-honey was collected from sealed honey pots within nests of Tetragonisca angustula in Alajuela, Costa Rica. It was acetolyzed following standard methods and the pollen types were visualized by microscopic analysis at 200X magnification using a Nikon Eclipse Ni binocular scope. Electronic brightfield micro-photographs were obtained at 1000X magnification and pollen types were plated. Palynological descriptions were provided for major pollen grains. The botanical identifications of plant families and genera were established by comparison with pollen atlases and were validated consulting the 2022 Tropicos Missouri Botanical Garden database. Seventy-nine pollen types were recognized in the pollen spectrum, representing 36 families and 67 genera of flowering plants. Their habits were trees (51%), lianas/vine (11%), herbs (19%), herb/tree (5%), shrubs (5%), shrub/tree (1%) and not assigned (8%). This assemblage indicated the presence of lowland tropical forest elements, probably small relicts of secondary forest surrounding open and cultivated areas where Coffea arabica pollen dominated in the honey pollen spectrum with 54.3% of total counts, with secondary Paullinia sp. 8.7%, Vochysia sp. 4.8% and Cassia sp. 4.2% and 95% of pollen taxa present in <3% relative frequency. Taxa offering only pollen (polleniferous) were considered honey contaminants (32%) not explaining the nectar botanical origin of honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alteration of the natural environment by human activities has increased in recent decades, with a significant impact on the organisms that inhabit it. One of the most apparent consequences of environmental alterations is the occurrence of climatic changes. The city of Joinville is situated in the southern region of Brazil. It has achieved a notable position at the national level, largely due to the significant presence of large-scale industrial operations in the metal-mechanical, plastic, and textile sectors. This study aimed to assess the effects of urban environments on Nectandra oppositifolia plants and lichen communities using a passive biomonitoring approach, and on Tetragonisca angustula stingless bees using an active biomonitoring approach. This study demonstrated a pronounced effect of anthropogenic activities on plant anatomy and morphology (higher leaf area, fresh mass, dry mass, and water content in the urban-industrial site), with higher metal concentrations in leaf particulate matter (3.14 ± 0.4 μg cm ^−2 ). The diversity of lichens was the lowest, whereas that of crustose lichens was the highest in industrial-urban and residential-rural sites (industrial-urban site = 13 species, residential-rural site = 29 species, control site = 33 species, p < 0.05). The distribution of species within the lichen communities was inversely correlated with the degree of anthropogenic influence. Some lichen species were found exclusively in the control areas, suggesting that they may indicate good environmental quality ( Arthonia sp., Astrothelium sp., Phyllopsora pyxinoides, Phyllopsis sp., and others ). Beehive pollen analysis revealed the presence of Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Pb, and industrial-urban site exhibited higher metal concentrations (particularly, Ni, 12.59 ± 0.9, and Cr, 3.76 ± 1.00, mg kg ^−1 ). This approach highlights the environmental repercussions that affect the Plantae, Fungi, and Animalia kingdoms. The use of biomonitoring as a robust tool in good environmental quality assessment provides insight into policy decisions and underscores the importance of pollution studies.

Tropical landscapes are rapidly changing due to deforestation and agricultural expansion, entailing the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. Understanding how these changes affect the genetic diversity and gene flow in key native pollinators is of great importance to assure their survival and provision of pollination services. In this context, we studied how landscape features influence genetic diversity and gene flow in one of the most widespread species of stingless bees in the Neotropical region, Tetragonisca angustula. We evaluated bees from 46 nests sampled across forested, agricultural and urban landscapes within the Atlantic Forest, genotyped at 745 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We found that forest cover negatively influenced the heterozygosity at a 500-m scale, although inbreeding and gene flow were not influenced by landscape features. Gene flow was explained mainly by geographic distance, indicating that T. angustula can disperse across heterogeneous and human-altered landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Propolis has been considered a highly valuable material due to its therapeutic properties. However, in Colombia, the commercialization of propolis is limited not only by low production but also by the little knowledge about its efficient extraction. Therefore, finding an optimal and economical extraction method to obtain propolis is a necessity for beekeepers that would open new possibilities for industrial use and, therefore, for the market. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate a conventional and ultrasound-assisted extraction method, seeking to obtain the highest yield and a high amount of content of bioactive compounds in propolis extracts. METHODS: The extraction was carried out for three crude propolis from different types of bees: Tetragonisca angustula or Angelita (ANG), Melipona eburnea or Melipona (MEL), and Scaptotrigona spp (SCT). The extracts were characterized by color, pH, visual appearance, solid content, antioxidant capacity, total polyphenol content, and bacterial inhibition capacity. RESULTS: The highest extraction performance was obtained when the ultrasound-assisted method was used, especially for the ANG extract, which in addition to presenting inhibition for gram-negative (E. coli) and gram-positive (S. Aureus) bacteria, had the best antioxidant activity with a value of 545 mg GAE / 100 g of sample and total polyphenol content of 1,884 mg GAE / 100 g of sample. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-assisted extraction can be considered a low-cost alternative to increase the extraction performance of crude propolis, together with its total polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity, without altering its physical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Propolis has been considered a highly valuable material due to its therapeutic properties. However, in Colombia, the commercialization of propolis is limited not only by low production but also by the little knowledge about its efficient extraction. Therefore, finding an optimal and economical extraction method to obtain propolis is a necessity for beekeepers that would open new possibilities for industrial use and, therefore, for the market. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate a conventional and ultrasound-assisted extraction method, seeking to obtain the highest yield and a high amount of content of bioactive compounds in propolis extracts. METHODS: The extraction was carried out for three crude propolis from different types of bees: Tetragonisca angustula or Angelita (ANG), Melipona eburnea, or Melipona (MEL), and Scaptotrigona spp (SCT). The extracts were characterized by color, pH, visual appearance, solid content, antioxidant capacity, total polyphenol content, and bacterial inhibition capacity. RESULTS: The highest extraction performance was obtained when the ultrasound-assisted method was used, especially for the ANG extract, which in addition to presenting inhibition for gram-negative (E. coli) and gram-positive (S. Aureus) bacteria, had the best antioxidant activity with a value of 545 mg GAE / 100 g of sample and total polyphenol content of 1,884 mg GAE / 100 g of sample. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-assisted extraction can be considered a low-cost alternative to increase the extraction performance of crude propolis, together with its total polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity, without altering its physical properties.

The pollen stored by stingless bees (samburá) is a product of the hive considered a functional food. However, few studies related to this promising product for human consumption are found in the literature. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical and microbiological characteristics of samburá from two species of stingless bee. The samples were submitted to chemical (moisture, ash, pH, acidity, water activity, proteins, lipids, total carbohydrates, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids) and microbiological analyses (coliforms 35 °C and 45 °C, Staphylococcus coagulase positive, Clostridium sulphite reducers, Salmonella spp., aerobic mesophiles, aerobic psychrotrophs, molds, and yeasts). The results showed differences in samburá composition in both species, complying with the threshold established by the Brazilian legislation for bee pollen, except for moisture content (26.96 − 30.11%), ash (4.92 − 5.41%) and pH (3.47 − 3.42) in samburá of T. angustula and S. xanthotricha, respectively. Samburá S. xanthotricha had higher values for moisture (30.11%), ash (5.41%), water activity (0.78 Wa), acidity (120.93 mEq kg−1), and total flavonoids (20.94 mgEQ g−1). No microorganisms that compromise product quality (spores of Clostridium sulphite reducers and Salmonella spp.), health quality (coliforms at 45 °C and Staphylococcus coagulase positive), or commercial quality (psychrotrophic aerobes) were observed in the samples. Samburá of both species displayed different chemical characteristics and good nutritional conditions, constituting promising products for human food and were also safe for consumption, as no pathogenic microorganisms were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The antioxidant activity of Tetragonisca angustula honey (TAH) and its ethanolic extract (TAEE) were investigated. The total levels of phenolic (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) were also evaluated. The results for TPC were 19.91 ± 0.38 and 29.37 ± 1.82 mg GAE g-1 and for TFC 0.20 ± 0.02 and 0.14 ± 0.01 mg QE g-1 of TAH and TAEE, respectively. Antioxidant activities were 73.29 ± 0.49% and 93.36 ± 0.27% in the DPPH● assay and 71.73 ± 4.07% and 97.86 ± 0.35% in ABTS●+ for TAH and TAEE, respectively. The total reducing activity was determined by the method of reducing power (PR) and iron ion (Fe III) and the results varied in PR from 151.7 ± 25.7 and 230.7 ± 25.2 mg GAE L-1, for TAH and TAEE respectively and for (Fe III) in EC50 0.284 in TAEE and 0.687 in TAH. Chemical analysis by HPLC-DAD of the ethanolic extract (TAEE) revealed the presence of ferulic acid as majority phenolic component in the extract. The 1H NMR analysis confirmed this structure and showed the also presence of glucose, citric acid, succinic acid, proline and hydrocarbon derivatives. In addition, the botanical origin was also investigated and showed a multifloral characteristic, having found 19 pollen types with a botanical predominance of the Anacardiaceae family, with Tapirira pollen occurring as predominant (42.6%) and Schinus as secondary (25.7%). The results showed that T. angustula honey is an interesting source of antioxidant phenolic compounds due to its floral origin and can act as a protector of human health when consumed.

The intensive shift on land cover by anthropogenic activities have led to changes in natural habitats and environmental contamination, which can ultimately impact and threat biodiversity and ecosystem services, such as pollination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of native forest and human-modified land covers on the concentrations of chemical elements accumulated in the neotropical pollinator bee T. angustula. Eight landscapes, within an Ecological Corridor in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, with gradients of forest cover, spatial heterogeneity and varying land covers were used as sampling unities. Bees collected in traps or through actives searches had the concentration of 21 chemical elements determined by ICP-MS. Results show a beneficial effect of forested areas on the concentrations of some well-known toxic elements accumulated in bees, such as Hg, Cd, and Cr. Multivariate Redundancy Analysis (RDA) suggests road as the most important driver for the levels of Cr, Hg, Sb, Al, U, As, Pb and Pt and bare soil, pasture and urban areas as the landscape covers responsible for the concentrations of Zn, Cd, Mn, Mg, Ba and Sr in bees. The results reinforce the potential use of T. angustula bees as bioindicators of environmental quality and also show that these organisms are being directly affected by human land use, offering potential risks for the Neotropical ecosystem. Our study sheds light on how land covers (native forest and human-modified) can influence the levels of contaminants in insects within human-dominated landscapes. The generation of predictions of the levels of toxic metals and metalloids based on land use can both contribute to friendly farming planning as well as to support public policy development on the surrounding of protected areas and biodiversity conservation hotspots.

• Cocoa flowers are protandrous and open at night. Flowers are receptive during the day. • Insect visitors are more abundant and diverse during the day. • The main visitors are Diptera (biting midges and fruit flies) and Hymenoptera (stingless bees and ants). • The stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula was observed frequently visiting, carrying large loads of cocoa pollen in various parts of its body, and visiting male and female parts of the flower. These observations support this species as a cocoa pollinator, at least in the upper Magdalena valley in Colombia and potentially in other sites worldwide. • Ants were observed to visit flowers at night and walk over the flowers, we hypothesize that they may be releasing pollen deposited in petal hoods during anthesis. This hypothesis needs to be tested. Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is an important crop, but yield is generally low. Improving yield requires detailed understanding of the reproductive ecology, especially the pollination system and factors determining pollination success, such as proximity to natural areas. Since the 1940s biting midges have been proposed as the pollinators of cocoa flowers but this idea has recently been questioned in various studies. We observed cocoa flowers and their visitors during anthesis, we compare cocoa flower visitors during the day and night and also in plantations connected and disconnected to natural forests. Observations of flowers during anthesis revealed that cocoa flowers are protandrous, open at night, persist for three days and are receptive only during the day. A diversity of insects visited flowers throughout 24 h. In general, insect visitors were more diverse during the day and in plantations connected to forests compared to those not connected to forests. Fifty five percent of the total insect species visited the cocoa flowers at night, all insect species visited cocoa flowers in plantations connected to natural forests and 62.5 % of those visited cocoa flowers in plantations disconnected with forests. Hymenoptera and Diptera were the main visitors and a total of eleven insect species carried cocoa pollen grains. Among those, two species of biting midges (Ceratopogonidae flies) and two species of stingless bees (Meliponini bees) were the most common. While biting midges were the most common visitors, the stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula carried large cocoa pollen loads and interacted with both the male and female parts of the flower. Ants also visited cocoa flowers, mainly at night. The most common visitors of cocoa flowers in cocoa plantations in the upper Magdalena Valley in Colombia are diurnal biting midges and stingless bees, but also nocturnal ants, suggesting that the pollination system of cocoa flowers may be locally less specialized than previously thought. Future research should investigate the effectiveness of various insect groups as pollinators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repetitive DNA sequences have been related to the maintenance of heterochromatin, evolution, and speciation, mainly due to the variations to which they are subject. Bees of the Meliponini tribe generally possess large amounts of heterochromatin that occupy the long arm of the chromosomes or even almost the entire chromosome. Although widely studied by conventional methods, little is known about the composition of these regions. Thus, this study aimed to analyze a repetitive sequence of Tetragonisca angustula and compare it with other genera in order to broaden the understanding of the evolution of these sequences. The results indicate that the isolated repeating DNA sequence of Tetragonisca angustula is present in the heterochromatin of all chromosomes of this species and in Tetragonisca fiebrigi. However, the same was not observed for the other evaluated species, which suggests that the isolated sequence is conserved within the genus Tetragonisca and that, in the other genera, the sequences that compose the heterochromatin may have undergone different processes of diversification or have arisen independently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bees are important pollinators whose population has declined due to several factors, including infections by parasites and pathogens. Resource sharing may play a role in the dispersal dynamics of pathogens among bees. This study evaluated the occurrence of viruses (DWV, BQCV, ABPV, IAPV, KBV, and CBPV) and microsporidia (Nosema ceranae and Nosema apis) that infect Apis mellifera, as well as pesticide residues in the stingless bees Nannotrigona testaceicornis, Tetragonisca angustula, and Tetragona elongata sharing the same foraging area with A. mellifera. Stingless bees were obtained from 10 nests (two of N. testaceicornis, five of T. angustula, and three of T. elongata) which were kept in the field for 1 year and analyzed for the occurrence of pathogens. Spores of N. ceranae were detected in stingless bees but were not found in their midgut, which indicates that these bees are not affected, but may be vectors of the microsporidium. Viruses were found in 23.4% of stingless bees samples. APBV was the most prevalent virus (10.8%) followed by DWV and BQCV (both in 5.1% of samples). We detected glyphosate and its metabolites in small amounts in all samples. The highest occurrence of N. ceranae spores and viruses was found in autumn-winter and may be related to both the higher frequency of bee defecation into the colony and the low food resources available in the field, which increases the sharing of plant species among the stingless bees and honey bees. This study shows the simultaneous occurrence of viruses and spores of the microsporidium N. ceranae in asymptomatic stingless bees, which suggest that these bees may be vectors of pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2014, an online survey was launched to assess impacts of bee losses in Brazil (honeybees, stingless bees, and solitary bees). Events from January 2013 to December 2017 were collected on a website http://www.semabelhasemalimento.com.br/beealert as well as in apps for smartphones and tablets. In total, 322 post-confirmed qualified reports (287 for honeybee, 33 for stingless bee, 2 for solitary bee) were included in our analyses. Overall, 19,296 of 37,453 colonies and nests were lost (estimated > 1 billion bees). Losses were highest for Africanized honeybees (Apis mellifera), followed by stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula. Honeybee 95% confidence intervals (CI) for loss rates on the basis of year, 5-year interval, regions, and operation sizes were estimated using a generalized linear model (GLM) for total loss (TL) and a Wald method for average losses (AL). Other species losses were mentioned in the text. Based on information from respondents, pesticide exposures were suspected as the main cause of nest and colony losses. In São Paulo State, which accounted for 45.7% of total reports, neonicotinoids and fipronil led pesticide are listed in 55.9% of reports (fipronil, clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam are widely used in sugar cane plantations and orange groves in this state). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ecuador the mega-biodiversity is also present in the honey produced in cerumen pots, which are not included in the technical quality norms of the Ecuadorian Institute of Norms NET INEN 1572. The honey norms only refer to the honey produced by the comercial honey bee Apis mellifera. “Angelita” is the ethnic name of the stingless honey bee Tetragonisca angustula in Ecuador and in other Latin-American countries. In order to single out the honey of T. angustula, its physicochemical characterization was carried out according to conventional methods of quality indicators in standards for honey. The nitrogen content was determined by microKjeldahl. These are clear amber color honeys from 75 to 102 Pfund units. The physicochemical composition varied as follows: free acidity 22.50 – 25.20 meq/kg, reducing sugars 56.43 – 63.83 g/ 100g, ash 0.50 – 0.16 g /100 g, color 75 – 102 Pfund units, hydroximethylfurfural 0.44 – 1.41 mg/kg, moisture 23.1 – 25.2 g/100 g, nitrogen 33.66 – 85.78 mg/100 g, pH 3.66 – 4.22, apparent sucrose 1.46 – 2.36 g/100 g and water insoluble solids 0.03 – 0.07 g/100g.

Abstract: This study aims at evaluating the quality of honey of Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata Tetragonisca angustula and Scaptotrigona depilis. Pollen analysis was performed to identify the floral resources used for the production of honey, and 19 pollen types were identified. Microbiological analyses identified the presence of coliforms, molds, and yeasts, but Clostridium botulinum was not found. Using the modified “Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe” method followed by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry determination, eight pesticides were detected in the honey of T. angustula and only two in the honey from S. depilis. The honey of M. q. quadrifasciata did not present pesticide residues. The data pointed out the relevance of good practices to avoid the contamination of honey with sources of microbiological contaminants, which may impair the product's safety for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the insecticide potential of eight phthalides derived from furan-2(5H)-one was evaluated against Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) larvae. The potency of the most active phthalides and the susceptibility of six different T. absoluta populations to these compounds were determined. The toxicity of these molecules to two non-target species (Solenopsis saevissima Smith and Tetragonisca angustula Latreille) was also evaluated. Two phthalides (3 and 4) presented insecticide potential against T. absoluta. Phthalide 4 was as toxic as piperine (positive control) and both phthalides exhibited rapid action (LT50 < 2 hours). The variation in the susceptibility of T. absoluta populations to the phthalides 3 and 4 was low. Neither phthalide presented physiological selectivity for non-target species. Therefore, the phthalides 3 and 4 are promising molecules, or at least, a starting point for a chemical optimization program leading to formulations for the management of the tomato leafminer. The application of such products should be conducted according to the principles of ecological selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the floral origin of the pollen collected by native bees in Neotropical ecosystems enables us to understand the dynamics of the interdependent relationships between the insects and the native flora. The objectives of this study were to: (i) investigate the spectrum of plant species from which pollen is collected by Tetragonisca angustula in caatinga (dry vegetation) areas in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil; (ii) identify pollen types that could be used as regional geographical markers and (iii) determine the pollen niche breadth and the pattern of use of floral resources by this stingless bee. In total, 23 samples of the pollen stored by T. angustula were collected monthly and subjected to acetolysis. Of the 45 pollen types identified that of Prosopis juliflora (Fabaceae) and Solanum (Solanaceae) were the most frequently represented in the samples and 19 were collected by the bees at both study sites. Species characteristic of caatinga, such as Poincianella pyramidalis (Tulasne) L.P. Queiroz and Senna macranthera (de Candolle ex Colladon) H.S. Irwin & Barneby, were among the pollen identified and they were used as indicators of the geographical origin of the samples. The average values of the pollen niche breadth (H') and equitability (J') indicate that T. angustula is a generalist and homogeneous forager of the floral resources in caatinga.

Crops have different levels of dependence on pollinators; this holds true even for cultivars of the same species, as in the case of cucumber (Cucumis sativus). The aim of this research was to assess the attractiveness of flowers of three Japanese parthenocarpic cucumber cultivars and evaluate the importance of Africanized bees (Apis mellifera), and the Brazilian native stingless bees, Jataí (Tetragonisca angustula) and Iraí (Nannotrigona testaceicornis) on fruit production. Several parameters, including frequency of bee visits to flowers as well as duration of nectar collection and fruit set were examined; additionally, fruit weight, length and diameter were evaluated. Three greenhouses located in Ribeirão Preto, SP, were used for planting three cucumber cultivars (Hokushin, Yoshinari and Soudai). The female flowers were more attractive than male flowers; however, Jataí bees were not observed visiting the flowers. The Africanized and the Iraí bees collected only nectar, with a visitation peak between 10 and 12h. Visits to female flowers had a longer duration than visits to male flower visits in all three cultivars. Africanized bee colonies declined due to loss of bees while in the greenhouse; the native stingless bee colonies did not suffer these losses. When bees were excluded, fruit set was 78%; however, when bees had access to the flowers, fruit set was significantly (19.2%) higher. Fruit size and weight did not differ with and without bees. This demonstrates that even in parthenocarpic cucumber cultivars, which do not require pollination in order to from fruits, fruit production is significantly increased by bee pollination.

The honey is a product elaborated by bees starting from the nectar of the flowers or from secretions from living parts of the plants, which the bees collect, transform and combine with their own specific substances. This aliment is nutritious and energetic, being appreciated by its therapeutic properties. Sugars, water, vitamins, organic acids and mineral salts are the major constituints of honey. Therefore, laboratory analyzes are used for inspection, with the purpose to know the honey chemical composition, identifying product quality. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of honeys produced and comercialized in the city of Vitoria da Conquista - Ba and its suitbality in relation to its standard identity and quality described by Brazilian lesgislation. The samples were obtained from the Casa do Mel (Honey House) in the State University of the Southwest of Bahia, in Vitoria da Conquista and analized in the Analytical and Environmental Chemistry laboratory of the same institution. Moisture content, free acidity, reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars, hydroxymethylfurfural, total soluble solids, pH, and Fiehe and Lund reaction were analyzed for 18 honeys samples. Of the samples evaluated, 66,67% had HMF values higher than those acceptable by the legislation, 11,11% for acidity and 27,78% for the Fiehe test. The result of excessive analyzes presented acceptable values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Tropane alkaloids are known to play a role in plant defence. By blocking acetylcholine receptors, they exert insecticidal and deterrent effects against herbivore insects. Carbamates are an important class of chemical insecticides that also inhibit acetyl cholinesterase. The objective of this work was to synthesise a series of tropane alkaloids bearing a carbamate group, and to evaluate their effects against the pest Ascia monuste. The effects of the most active compounds were evaluated on the A. monuste predator Solenopsis saevissima and on the pollinator Tetragonisca angustula. RESULTS The synthesis of carbamate-tropane alkaloids was accomplished in 4-5 steps from commercially available ketones. Results from bioassays showed that compounds 6a, 10a and 14a presented higher activities against second-instar larvae of A. monuste, with LD50 values of 1.01, 3.76 and 1.92 µg substance mg−1 insect, and TL50 values of 7.0, 15.0 and 5.0 h respectively. These compounds were also tested for their selectivity in favour of S. saevissima and T. angustula. Compound 6a, which showed the highest activity against A. monuste, also showed lower toxicity against S. saevissima. CONCLUSION Tropane alkaloid derivatives bearing a carbamate group show potential for the development of novel insecticides against A. monuste. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: There is an increasing search for antibiofilm agents that either have specific activity against biofilms or may act in synergy with antimicrobials. Our objective is to examine the the antibiofilm properties of stingless bee honeys. Method: Meliponini honeys from Costa Rica were examined along with Medihoney as a reference. All honeys were submitted to a screening composed of minimum inhibitory concentration, inhibition of biofilm formation and biofilm destruction microplate-based assays against a Staphylococcus aureus biofilm forming strain. Dialysis led to the isolation of an antibiofilm fraction in Tetragonisca angustula honeys. The honey antibiofilm fraction was evaluated for protease activity and for any synergistic effect with antibiotics on a Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. The active fraction was then separated through activity guided isolation techniques involving SDS-PAGEs, anion exchange and size exclusion fast protein liquid chromatographies. The fractions obtained and the isolated antibiofilm constituents were tested for amylase and DNase activity. Results: A total of 57 Meliponini honeys from Costa Rica were studied in this research. The honeys studied belonged to the Tetragonisca angustula (n=36) and Melipona beecheii (n=21) species. Costa Rican Tetragonisca angustula honeys can inhibit the planktonic growth, biofilm formation, and are capable of destroying a Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. The antibiofilm effect was observed in the protein fraction of Tetragonisca angustula honeys. The biofilm destruction proteins allowed ampicillin and vancomycin to recover their antimicrobial activity over a Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. The antibiofilm proteins are of bee origin, and their activity was not due to serine, cysteine or metalloproteases. There were 2 proteins causing the antibiofilm action; these were named the Tetragonisca angustula biofilm destruction factors (TABDFs). TABDF-1 is a monomeric protein of approximately 50kDa that is responsible of the amylase activity of Tetragonisca angustula honeys. TABDF-2 is a protein monomer of approximately 75kDa. Conclusion: Tetragonisca angustula honeys from Costa Rica are a promising candidate for research and development of novel wound dressings focused on the treatment of acute and chronic Staphylococcus aureus biofilm wound infections. Declaration of interest: The O & O Office of Utrecht University and the Scholarships Office of Universidad Nacional of Costa Rica solely provided financial support for this study. The authors declare there are no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed to investigate, in vitro, the efficacyof the honey of Tetragonisca angustula, against the microorganismsfound in the auditory canal inflammations of dogs. The sampleswere collected through a sterile swab of secretion of the auditorycanal of dogs with clinical otitis. The material was fixed in glassslide by performing the smear, Gram stained, and submittedto microscopic identification. The samples were inoculated inTryptone Soya Broth culture media and incubated at 37°C for24 hours. After verifying that there was growth, the sampleswere cultured in Petri’s plates containing Chapman, Levine andMueller-Hinton, and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Filter paperdiscs were adapted, sterilized in autoclave and embedded in honeyfor the antibiogram. The disks impregnated with honey wereplaced in Petri’s plates containing the contamined material andagain incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. This experiment verified theformation of inhibition halos in the antibiograma with the honey ofthe Tetragonisca angustula, showing to be effective in the controlof Staphylococcus sp, Bacillus sp and yeasts.