Abstract

FONTE, Leydi; MILERA, Milagros; DEMEDIO, J  and  BLANCO, D. Foraging selectivity of the stingless bee Melipona beecheii Bennett at the EEPF "Indio Hatuey", Matanzas. Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2012, vol.35, n.3, pp. 333-342. ISSN 0864-0394.

The work was conducted at the EEPF "Indio Hatuey" to determine the foraging selectivity of stingless bees (Melipona beecheii Bennett) through the analysis of honey and pollen samples. A floristic inventory of the area had been previously made around the apiary location, taking into consideration the bees' flight radius. The stair method was used in the silvopastures, and in the case of the living fences the trees were counted every 10 meters and this was shown in the sketch of the sampled area. In the groves and yards all trees where counted and classified, and in the herbaceous stratum the step method was applied. The pollen grains of guava (Psidium guajava) and mastic tree (Bursera simaruba) predominated in both kinds of samples, followed by the pollen grains of touch-me-not (Mimosa pudica), mimosa (Mimosa pigra), orange and lemon tree (Citrus ssp.).The stingless bees were concluded to show marked foraging selectivity for the guava and mastic tree flowers, and that the Station has the sufficient melliferous potential for them to develop favorably, on a sustainable feeding basis.

Keywords : Melipona beecheii; pollen analysis; foraging.

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