Qualitative study of native stingless bees in Jalapa, Guatemala

Abstract

The meliponiculture, or breeding of native bees, an activity associated with most indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica. Although in recent years studies have been conducted on meliponinos in Guatemala, none of these have been conducted in Jalapa. The objective of this study was to document the diversity of bees used by farmers in Jalapa, the uses of beehive products and the degree of technification of the breeding. This is basic information necessary to promote the production of meliponinos in the region in a rational manner. This was done by collecting the species, locating the hives and conducting surveys to farmers in the 7 municipalities of the department of Jalapa. A total of 163 stingless bee nests were recorded in 31 locations. A total of 9 meliponine species are reported: Melipona beecheii, Trigona (Tetragonisca) angustula, Nanotrigona perilampoides, Partamona bilineata, Scaptotrigona pectoralis, Plebeia pulchra, Melipona yucatanica, Trigona corvina and Trigona (Geotrigona) Acapulconis. The meliponiculture in Jalapa, does not have technology and is reduced to a meliponiculture artisan and full of mysticism. The most important species in terms of production are M. beecheii, T. angustula and P. bileneata. In the municipalities of Jalapa and Mataquescuintla, a greater diversity of bees and hives was found. The native bees are under threat due to the loss of their habitat, so their management must be sustainable and responsible. The meliponiculture is an environmentally friendly activity, important for food security and is related to popular culture, so actions must be taken at the local level for the protection and responsible use of native bees without stings.