STINGLESS BEES OF ESPÍRITO SANTO

Abstract

Concise data on native stingless bee fauna (Meliponini) is relevant in several aspects, such as: conservation; economics; understanding gaps; and directing possible research that can help in public policy decision-makings. In this artcle, we present a review of Meliponini species from Espírito Santo state, Brazil. We summarize, for each species, basic scientific information regarding the popular name, description, nesting habit and places where they were found. Among the 28 genera of Meliponini recorded in Brazil, 18 genera (64%) occur in Espírito Santo, which corresponds to 40 species (15%), of the 262 species considered valid for the Brazilian stingless bee fauna. The genera Melipona (n=7), Plebeia (n=6), Trigona (n=5) and Partamona (n=4) stand out in richness, which are well represented and widely distributed in Brazil. When compared to other states in the South and Southeast, the richness of Meliponini in Espirito Santo can be considered significant. Some species of Meliponini were described from specimens from Espírito Santo, for example: Frieseomelitta meadewaldoi, Melipona marginata carioca, Melipona mondury, Partamona sooretamae, Plebeia droryana, Plebeia phrynostoma and Trigona braueri. The species Melipona capixaba, endemic to the mountains of Espírito Santo, is on the List of Endangered Brazilian Fauna Species. Due to the lack of studies in the state, there may be species whose natural occurrence has not yet been incorporated by science.