Variations of structural niche, floristic sources and density of Tetragonisca angustula Latreille 1811 (Apinae, Meliponini) in the dry forest of Huallaga, peruvian Amazon

Abstract

Background: Tetragonisca angustula is a highly adaptable stingless bee in anthropic landscapes, but there are few studies on its trophic relationships and ethology in the Amazon. Hypothesis and objective: Unlike other stingless bees, whose nesting density is regulated by territoriality and the availability of food resources, it is inferred that the nest density of T. angustula is limited by the availability of nesting spaces. To demonstrate it, the trophic-structural niche variations of T. angustula colonies were compared in the Seasonal Dry Forest of the Central Huallaga region, Peruvian Amazon. Methodology: Between 2019 and 2023, nests of this species were studied in an agroforestry landscape dominated by remnant secondary forest (N) and an urban community (U). The ecological niche amplitude Bi was estimated from data of nesting frequency by substrate B1 (rock crevices, trees, concrete, dry mud, plastic, pottery, wooden boxes, ground) and nest distance above or below ground level B2. Structural niche overlapping Oij was calculated, as well as nest density and foraging range. Flowering patterns of plants visited by the species and changes in the vegetation landscape were assessed. Results: Of 23 nests, 30% were found in the field and the remaining 70% in the urban area. Structural nest niche by substrate type and height above ground level showed a greater amplitude in urban (BU1=0.62 and BU2=0.59, respectively) compared to natural landscapes (BN1=0.17 and BN2=0.33) with overlaps OUN1= 0.00 and OUN2=0.83. A higher density and clustering of nests was found in the urban area. Of the 59 morphospecies of bee flora, 48% were trees and 52% shrubs, climbers and herbs; 80% native and 20% exotic, and 80% wild and 20% cultivated, ensuring a floristic supply throughout the year. Implications: A new ecological basis for the recovery of landscapes and productive strategies for T. angustula are provided. Conclusion: Limiting nesting space is the main factor determining T. angustula density.