Sobreposição de nicho de abelhas nativas em diferentes paisagens

Abstract

Bees rely on floral resources for their nutrition, such as pollen and nectar. However, landscape homogenization can reduce the availability of these resources, influencing niche overlap among species. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the dietary niche overlap between Melipona scutellaris and Melipona subnitida species, raised in sympatry across different landscapes in the Paraíba forest zone. Our hypothesis is that, in more urbanized areas (greater soil impermeability), the species exhibit higher niche overlap, consuming pollen from the same plant species. The study was conducted in 11 meliponaries located in cities within the Paraíba forest zone, northeastern Brazil. Pollen samples were collected from the corbiculae of forager bees during both rainy and dry seasons. We identified 66 morphospecies throughout the year—55 during the rainy season, with overlap indices ranging from 30% to 66%, and 49 during the dry season, with overlaps between 21% and 64%. Overlap indices were slightly higher with increased impermeable cover but showed no significant influence. Conversely, increased permeable cover significantly reduced overlap during the rainy season. No community structuring was observed throughout the year. It was concluded that although urban areas may contribute to increased niche overlap, they can also provide resources for bees, provided that vegetation cover is included in their composition. Furthermore, resource sharing among species does not necessarily result in strong competition.