Caracterização das espécies de abelhas de maior importância para o nordeste brasileiro

Abstract

The Brazilian northeast is known for its prolonged drought, which directly affects agricultural production in some places, but a specific insect can be a strong ally for the production, conservation and development of many vegetables, fruits and what remains of the Atlantic forest of this region. Bees are known as great producers of honey, a product that is sold and imported all over the world, but what few know is the importance of bees for the restructuring of the local flora, where, when looking for food to produce honey, they can pollinate the flowers of many trees and vegetables in the region, preserving species and conserving regional biodiversity. The practice of meliponiculture, the creation of stingless bees, helps in the conservation of species native to northeastern Brazil, in particular the Jandaíra bee, Melípona Subnitida, a species that has good adaptability and economic-ecological potential, also a reference for family farming, thanks to its docile and easy-to-manage temperament, cooperates with the improvement of agricultural production and is relevant for income production. Melípona Subnitida is part of the Meliponíneas, a group that comprises bee species that have an atrophied sting, which no longer has its natural function, which is protection. 505 species of these insects are described worldwide, and it is estimated that more than a hundred are still unknown. In Brazil, around 244 species are listed, and they are spread across all states, thanks to their easy adaptability. Therefore, the development of meliponiculture activities is extremely important, as the preservation of these species helps the northeastern region economically and ecologically, also helping countless families that depend on family farming.