The native bees of Brazil
Our Brazilian laboratory team recently visited the field facility in Conchal, Brazil and met two of the native pollinators. These bees are a little different as they are stingless.
Two of the most prominent varieties of stingless bees are Jataí and Mandaçaia. These bees are known for not having a stinger and play a crucial role in pollination and biodiversity conservation.
Jataí, a small black bee with yellow stripes, builds its nests in protected areas such as tree hollows and house eaves. It produces delicious honey and plays an important role in pollinating various plants.
Mandaçaia, slightly larger with yellow and black stripes, also constructs its nests in hollow tree trunks. In addition to producing uniquely flavoured honey, these bees are excellent pollinators, contributing to the reproduction of many plant species.
These native stingless bees are essential for biodiversity preservation and ecosystem maintenance. They assist in the reproduction of plants, including fruits, vegetables, and native trees. Unfortunately, they face threats such as habitat loss and excessive pesticide use.