Melipona asilvai Moure, 1971 (Hymenoptera: Apidae): distribuição potencial, variação morfométrica e diversidade genética

Abstract

The marked decline of pollinators, such as bees, caused by climate change, habitat fragmentation, and improper management, as well as the scarcity of information on their distribution, population dynamics, and species diversity, make it necessary to carry out studies to support programs targeted at their management and conservation. Stingless bees (meliponines) play a fundamental role in the pollination of native and cultivated plants. In addition, they are bred in several rural communities to improve their income through the trade of products, such as the honey. In spite of such an importance, species like Melipona asilvai Moure, 1971, are still bred in an extractivist way, which has resulted in the decrease of colonies and, consequently, diversity loss. In the present study we aimed at identifying the areas of natural occurrence, estimating the potential distribution of M. asilvai, and assessing its morphometric variations and genetic diversity. We estimated the potential distribution of M. asilvai based on records of natural occurrence. We assessed morphometric variation through geometric morphometry techniques and genetic diversity through microsatellite markers, using samples from 32 localities of natural occurrence. Melipona asilvai is restricted to the Brazilian semi-arid region, and this species shows morphometric and genetic variations over its geographic range. These variations are associated with environmental gradients and the geographic distance between populations.