Article
Biology
Ricardo Caliari Oliveira, Viviana Di Pietro, Jose Javier G. Quezada-Euan, Jorge Ramirez Pech, Humberto Moo-Valle, Tom Wenseleers
Summary: The overproduction of queens in Melipona bees is caused by individual larvae selfishly biasing their development towards the queen pathway. The presence of geraniol does not affect the rearing of new queens, and there is no evidence for queen parasitism in M. beecheii. These findings support the original 'tragedy of the commons' hypothesis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Luiza Diniz Ferreira Borges, Leticia Leandro Batista, Serena Mares Malta, Tamiris Sabrina Rodrigues, Jessica Regina da Costa Silva, Gabriela Venturini, Alexandre da Costa Pereira, Pedro Henrique Goncalves Guedes, Carlos Ueira-Vieira, Ana Maria Bonetti
Summary: In bees from genus Melipona, it is suggested that caste differentiation may involve epigenetic and metabolic regulation in addition to environmental and genetic factors. The study found that the histone deacetylase inhibitor 10HDA, a major lipid component of royal jelly thought to regulate honeybee caste differentiation, was unable to promote differentiation in queens in Melipona scutellaris.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucas Miotelo, Milene Ferro, Geovana Maloni, Igor Vinicius Ramos Otero, Roberta Cornelio Ferreira Nocelli, Mauricio Bacci, Osmar Malaspina
Summary: This study evaluated the differentially expressed genes in the Malpighian tubules of Melipona scutellaris after exposure to thiamethoxam and found that it had negative effects on the health of the stingless bees.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucas Miotelo, Ana Luiza Mendes dos Reis, Annelise Rosa-Fontana, Jessica Karina da Silva Pachu, Jose Bruno Malaquias, Osmar Malaspina, Thaisa Cristina Roat
Summary: This study investigated the sublethal effects of the insecticide thiamethoxam on the stingless bee Melipona scutellaris. Results showed that exposure to a sublethal concentration of thiamethoxam affected brain function of the bees, even though longevity was not reduced. Cell damage in both target and non-target organs was observed, with irregular nuclei shape and condensed chromatin being common features. These damages compromised essential processes for the survival of M. scutellaris, such as nutrient absorption, excretion, memory, and learning. The findings contribute to understanding how bees respond to thiamethoxam exposure and will be beneficial for future risk assessments in bee conservation.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Flavia Izabely Nunes Moreira, Lorena Lucena de Medeiros, Leila Moreira de Carvalho, Lary Souza Olegario, Mercia de Sousa Galvao, Simone Alves Monteiro da Franca, Taliana Kenia Alencar Bezerra, Marcos dos Santos Lima, Marta Suely Madruga
Summary: This study characterized the honeys produced by stingless bees Cephalotrigona capitata and Scutellaris Latrelle in the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes in terms of their chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and phenolic, volatile, and sensory profile. The honey labeled as "Mombuca similar to o" showed higher water activity, acidity, sucrose content, and organic acids content, while the honey labeled as "urucu" showed the highest fructose and glucose content. Various phenolic compounds and flavonoids were quantified, with significant amounts of epicatechin gallate, myricetin, quercetin, and procyanidin A2. The honey labeled as "Mombuca similar to o" exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. 133 volatile compounds were identified in the honeys, with terpenes and esters being the most abundant. The honey labeled as "Mombuca similar to o" had a distinct sensory profile characterized by an acid and citrus aroma and flavor, while the honey labeled as "urucu" had a more typical sweet and woody aroma and flavor. The variation in honey composition was attributed to bee species, floral species, and geographic origins.
Article
Microbiology
Sonia Coutinho, Vanessa Matos, Natalia Seixas, Hellen Rodrigues, Vanessa B. Paula, Lais Freitas, Teresa Dias, Francisco de Assis Ribeiro Santos, Luis G. Dias, Leticia M. Estevinho
Summary: This study investigated the botanical origin, physicochemical profile, and biological activities of geopropolis from M. scutellaris collected during rainy and dry seasons. The results showed that rainy-season geopropolis had higher phenol and flavonoid content and exhibited superior antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities compared to dry-season geopropolis.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucas Miotelo, Ana Luiza Mendes dos Reis, Jose Bruno Malaquias, Osmar Malaspina, Thaisa Cristina Roat
Summary: The study quantified the differential sensitivity of the stingless bee M. scutellaris and the honey bee A. mellifera to the insecticide thiamethoxam, showing that the stingless bee is more sensitive. Morphological and ultrastructural analyses revealed significant differences in nerve cell spaces between the two species when exposed to sublethal concentrations. The findings suggest that A. mellifera may not be the most suitable model for testing the toxicity of insecticides to stingless bees.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sintia Emmanuelle Andrade de Santana, Jose Eduardo Serrao, Carlos Alfredo Lopes de Carvalho, Paulo Barros de Abreu Junior, Ana Maria Waldschmidt
Summary: This study evaluated the presence of metallic elements on the body surface of the stingless bee Melipona scutellaris, which visited areas with different levels of human activities.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Larissa Farias da Silva Cruz, Paulo Vitor Franca Lemos, Thais de Souza Santos, Pedro Paulo Lordelo Guimaraes Tavares, Renata Quartieri Nascimento, Leila Magda Rodrigues Almeida, Carolina Oliveira de Souza, Janice Izabel Druzian
Summary: The effects of time and storage temperature on Melipona scutellaris honey were evaluated. Storage at 30°C resulted in decreased quality of honey, including fermentation and degradation of bioactive compounds. In contrast, storage at 5°C for 60 days did not significantly affect honey quality and even increased antioxidant activity.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joao Marcelo Robazzi Bignelli Valente Aguiar, Roberta Cornelio Ferreira Nocelli, Martin Giurfa, Fabio Santos Nascimento
Summary: Alongside other human activities, pesticides have a significant impact on the decline of pollinator populations globally. Most studies on pesticide effects have focused on honey bees due to their suitability for behavioral testing and rearing. However, it is important to also consider tropical species, which contribute greatly to biodiversity and have been overlooked thus far.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jaqueline Ferreira Campos, Thaliny Bonamigo, Paola dos Santos da Rocha, Vanessa Marina Branco Paula, Uilson Pereira dos Santos, Jose Benedito Perrella Balestieri, Denise Brentan Silva, Carlos Alexandre Carollo, Leticia M. Estevinho, Kely de Picoli Souza, Edson Lucas dos Santos
Summary: The chemical compositions and antimicrobial activity of propolis produced by Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides and Scaptotrigona depilis were determined in this study. The propolis extracts contained phenolic compounds, diterpenes, and triterpenes. Both extracts demonstrated inhibitory effects against bacteria and fungi, with S. depilis extract showing better antimicrobial activity. This research suggests that propolis from these stingless bees has potential for the prevention or treatment of microbial infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Camila Panini Valcanaia, Julia Beatriz Berkenbrock Masote, Heloisa Fontana Sommer, Scarlet Schiquet, Bruna Padilha, Larissa Krepsky, Camila Jeriane Paganelli, Pamela Pacassa Borges, Leticia Jacobi Danielli, Miriam Anders Apel, Krissie Daian Soares, Sergio Althoff, Michele Debiase Alberton, Tatiani Karini Rensi Botelho, Alessandro Guedes, Caio Mauricio Mendes de Cordova
Summary: This study extracted, chemically characterized, and evaluated the antimicrobial properties of volatile oils from propolis of native Brazilian stingless bees. The results showed promising antibacterial activity against Mycoplasma pneumoniae and moderate activity against Candida species, but lower activity against cell walled bacteria.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Janete Brigante, Joyce Oliveira Costa, Evaldo L. G. Espindola, Michiel A. Daam
Summary: Stingless bees play a crucial role as plant pollinators and producers of natural products in neotropical areas, but research into the potential risks of pesticides they may encounter in agricultural fields, especially pesticide mixtures, remains limited. The study evaluated the toxicity of commercial products containing abamectin and difenoconazole on the Brazilian native stingless bee Melipona scutellaris, revealing potential synergetic effects between the two compounds and higher sensitivity of stingless bees compared to honeybees. Future studies should consider various insecticidal modes of action that show high relative sensitivity to stingless bees to better assess the risks of pesticide exposure on bee populations and pollination ecosystem services.
Article
Zoology
Jamille Costa Veiga, Gustavo Rodrigo Sanches Ruiz, Gislene Almeida Carvalho-Zilse, Cristiano Menezes, Felipe Andres Leon Contrera
Summary: The study found that characteristic marks left by mating plugs on female abdomens in stingless bees do not completely prevent remating, with varying durations of plug retention among different species. Some species show signs of polyandry. Male genital morphology may play a role in determining plug persistence.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laura Patterson Rosa, Amin Eimanifar, Abigail G. Kimes, Samantha A. Brooks, James D. Ellis
Summary: A genome wide association study was conducted on two subspecies of western honey bees endemic to the Republic of South Africa, revealing genetic variants associated with important phenotypes such as ovariole number, scutellar plate, and tergite color. Mutations in genes such as Ebony and GB54634 were found to significantly influence these phenotypes, highlighting the genetic components underlying relevant behavioral traits in honey bees.
Article
Entomology
Vinicius Oliveira e Silva, Tiago Mauricio Francoy, Elder Assis Miranda, Cintia Akemi Oi, Katia Maria Ferreira, Marco Antonio Del Lama
Summary: In this study, wing Geometric Morphometrics was used to confirm the differentiation of eastern and western populations of Partamona rustica, and significant differences in wing size and shape were observed. The isolation by distance between morphometric and geographic distances indicates the need for further research on gene flow and colonization history of this stingless bee in the semiarid region.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
H. Marshall, M. T. Nicholas, J. S. van Zweden, F. Wackers, L. Ross, T. Wenseleers, E. B. Mallon
Summary: Social insects, such as bumblebees, show distinct phenotypic differences between sexes and castes despite having similar genomes. Epigenetic processes, particularly DNA methylation, may play a role in mediating these differences. This study used bisulfite sequencing and whole genome re-sequencing to investigate the methylome and genetic variation in the bumblebee Bombus terrestris. The findings suggest a potential role for DNA methylation in histone modification processes and provide insights into the relationship between DNA methylation and genetic variation.
Article
Entomology
Francine Antoinette Cornelus van Neerbos, Peter Dewitte, Felix Wackers, Tom Wenseleers, Hans Jacquemyn, Bart Lievens
Summary: Insect responses to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by bacteria vary among and within different trophic levels. The concentrations of VOCs differ between bacterial strains, and correlations between the concentration of specific VOCs and the behavior of primary parasitoids and hyperparasitoids vary. This study provides insights into the potential use of VOCs for developing semiochemical-based strategies for biological aphid control.
Review
Entomology
F. G. B. Bueno, C. F. dos Santos, A. Otesbelgue, C. Menezes, J. van Veen, B. Blochtein, R. Gloag, T. Heard, V. L. Imperatriz-Fonseca, D. A. Alves
Summary: Queens are crucial for the colonies of stingless bees, maintaining cohesion and ensuring the survival of matriarchal societies. However, there is still much to learn about their life cycles compared to their worker daughters.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Helena Mendes Ferreira, Viviana Di Pietro, Tom Wenseleers, Cintia Akemi Oi
Summary: The juvenile hormone (JH) plays important roles in regulating reproduction and age-related division of labor in social insects. This study shows that JH also regulates behavioral maturation and division of labor in the highly eusocial Vespine wasp Vespula vulgaris.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Rafael Carvalho da Silva, Tom Wenseleers, Cintia Akemi Oi, Fabio Santos do Nascimento
Summary: Chemical compounds, particularly hydrocarbons, play a crucial role in the recognition processes of social insects. In this study, we investigated the ability of females in the wasp species Mischocyttarus cerberus to discriminate between their own eggs and those of other species. By experimentally collecting eggs and offering them to different nests, we found that M. cerberus females can accurately discriminate eggs according to their origin. This discrimination skill is likely important for avoiding parasitism and maintaining the social integrity of the colony.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
C. Wang, F. -Y. Chung, C. -C. Lin, J. Billen
Summary: We studied 12 species of Strumigenys and confirmed the presence of class-1 apicofemoral and apicotibial glands as exclusive exocrine structures in workers, queens, and males of this ant genus. The absence of these glands in workers of S. mutica, despite their presence in queens, may be related to the social parasitic lifestyle of this species. The ultrastructure of the glands suggests the production of a possible pheromonal secretion. Additionally, we discovered class-3 dorsodistal femoral and dorsodistal tibial glands as new structures in the exocrine repertoire of ants, posing a challenge to understand the social parasitism of S. mutica.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rafael Carvalho da Silva, Fabio Santos do Nascimento, Tom Wenseleers, Cintia Akemi Oi
Summary: Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are crucial for chemical communication in social insects, such as wasps. This study found caste-specific differences in CHCs, egg surface, and Dufour's gland composition among four wasp species. The presence of specific hydrocarbons in queen-laid eggs and Dufour's gland suggests their role as putative fertility signals regulating reproductive labor division.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Denise A. Alves, Ebi A. George, Rajbir Kaur, Axel Brockmann, Michael Hrncir, Christoph Gruter
Summary: Communication is essential in animal societies, including eusocial bees, to tackle challenges and exploit resources efficiently. Various factors, such as social biology, ecological conditions, and anthropogenic activities, influence the communication strategies of bees. The impact of human activities on bees, such as habitat conversion and agrochemical use, highlights the need to study how bees adapt their foraging and communication strategies to these changes. This represents a new frontier in bee behavioral and conservation research.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Chu Wang, Ping-Jui Sung, Chung-Chi Lin, Fuminori Ito, Johan Billen
Summary: Similar to wasps and bees, ants can produce males through parthenogenesis. However, some ant species, including six species in the genus Strumigenys, can also produce females through parthenogenesis. These species retain a functional reproductive system and spermatheca, which allows them to mate with males when encountered, increasing the genetic variability of their offspring. This mode of reproduction gives a significant advantage to tramp species when establishing colonies in new environments.
Article
Entomology
Elias Beck, Tom Wenseleers, Ricardo Caliari Oliveira
Summary: The western honeybee Apis mellifera shows temporal polyethism, where workers perform different tasks as they age. This division of labor is regulated not only by bee age but also by the proportion of workers performing the required tasks. In a study simulating the loss of foragers in the colony, honeybee workers quickly replaced the missing foragers by accelerating their transition to a subsequent task. The study also found that the social network structure of the colony became more cohesive and interconnected after the disturbance.
Article
Entomology
P. Miranda-Pinto, L. T. D. Cappelini, Y. R. Diogo, T. M. Francoy, M. M. Morais
Summary: This study aimed to observe pollen storage behavior within stingless bee colonies to understand the fermentation process and aid in developing fermented feeds. Observations showed significant variability in handling pollen storage in Melipona quadrifasciata.
Article
Entomology
Enya Wynants, Cedric Van Dun, Nancy Lenaerts, Sarah A. Princen, Ella Tuyttens, Hagai Y. Shpigler, Tom Wenseleers, Annette Van Oystaeyen
Summary: This study investigates the effects of hibernation state, caste, and species on the gonadotropic effect of juvenile hormone (JH) in bumble bee queens. The results indicate that JH does not directly promote ovary development in hibernated queens, but does have a stimulatory effect in non-hibernated queens. Additionally, JH does not have significant gonadotropic effects in workers. The findings suggest that factors beyond JH elevation are required for oviposition and colony initiation.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Celso Barbieri, Sheina Koffler, Jailson Nunes Leocadio, Bruno Albertini, Tiago Mauricio Francoy, Antonio Mauro Saraiva, Natalia P. Ghilardi-Lopes
Summary: In citizen science, training and evaluation play important roles in improving the effectiveness of projects. This study examines the impact of citizen scientists' profiles on their learning outcomes in multiple dimensions. The findings suggest that learning was observed in all dimensions, and profile variables such as gender, educational level, educational background, and prior experience influenced the learning outcomes. Participants showed high levels of nature connectedness, personal norms, pro-environmental behavior, and trust in science. The main motivations of participants were learning, conservation, and contributing to scientific knowledge production.
