Composição e caracterização fenológica das abelhas das tribos Meliponini e Megachilini em diferentes formações vegetais do Cerrado

Abstract

Bees are important pollinators, contributing to ecosystem functioning by transferring pollen between flowers, facilitating plant reproduction, ensuring fruit and seed production, and maintaining genetic diversity among plant species. However, little is still known about bee phenology, posing a challenge for effective conservation strategies. This study aims to understand the seasonal activity of bees in the Cerrado biome and its relationship with seasonal temperature and precipitation variations. Samples were collected in two natural parks in Goiás: Emas National Park (PNE) between 2016 and 2019 and Altamiro de Moura Pacheco State Park (PEAMP) between 2022 and 2023, using Malaise traps to capture bees in different vegetation types. The results showed that Meliponini bees prefer dense vegetation areas, while Megachilini species favor open vegetation. Additionally, the peak of bee activity occurred in September in both areas. These findings indicate that vegetation differences are directly linked to floral resource availability and nesting conditions, underscoring the need for conservation strategies that account for the ecological specificities of each habitat.