In the heart of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, an intriguing bee has been discovered, notable for its ingenious defense. The Melipona mondury, known as “uruçu amarela,” uses mud, resin, wax, and propolis to create a natural fortification that protects its home from predators.
The fortress of the stingless bee
Instead of a simple shelter, this bee transforms its environment into a well-organized complex. The hives of Melipona mondury are more than nests; they are biological cities housing thousands of individuals and maintaining a stable internal microclimate, which is crucial for the conservation of biodiversity.
Access to these hives is safeguarded by a sturdy geopropolis entrance, a combination of materials that ensures only one bee passes at a time, making it difficult for intruders to enter. This entrance also reflects ultraviolet light, guiding the foragers back to the nest.
Research on 19 colonies has underscored the importance of mature trees for these bees. Located in large cavities several meters above the ground, the hives depend on the structure of these trees to thrive.
The population of each colony, ranging from 3,537 to 10,281 bees, is efficiently organized around brood combs and food containers. The thermal conditions inside the nest are maintained within a range that favors the proper development of the brood, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to the external environment.
Stingless bees, like Melipona mondury, are essential for pollination in tropical areas, contributing between 30% and 40% of pollination depending on the biome. Their presence is vital for forest regeneration, particularly in the Atlantic Forest.
The 2024-2025 Atlantic Forest Atlas report reveals a decrease in the loss of mature forest, but the figures remain alarming with only 24% of original coverage. This context underscores the need for effective reforestation strategies to ensure the habitat of these bees.
Promoting local conservation by planting native species and avoiding pesticides is essential. Meliponaries should be designed considering the characteristics of the natural environment to ensure sustainable management.
The story of the Melipona mondury illustrates how a small bee can use its environment to create a robust defense, vital for its survival and that of the ecosystem. This detailed study is available in Biota Neotropica.
