Wild stingless bee nests present at Universidad Técnica Nacional, Atenas campus, Costa Rica

Abstract

Meliponines have developed a relationship with plants that is fundamental to the balance of ecosystems through the pollination services they provide. Despite this ecological importance, their populations have declined due to anthropocentric threats. Therefore, it is of utmost relevance to assess stingless bees and collect information on species diversity to promote their conservation. The objective of the study was to identify wild stingless bee nests at campus Universidad Técnica Nacional, Atenas. For this purpose, the most frequented areas of the campus were visited. For each nest found, the species of bee and the nesting substrate were recorded. A total of 53 nests belonging to 13 species of meliponines were observed, of which Tetragonisca angustula had the highest number of nests (43.4%), followed by Nannotrigona perilampoides (28.3%). In total, a density of 17 nests/ha was obtained. Among the substrates used for nesting, 53% represented metal support structures, 21% were living tree cavities and the remaining 26% were represented by concrete walls, electricity poles, among other substrates. These results are a starting point to highlight the impact of anthropocentric activities on the biology of bees, to raise public awareness of their importance in the ecosystem and to implement strategies for their conservation.