A genetic and morphological survey to trace the origin of Melipona beecheii (Apidae: Meliponini) from Cuba

Abstract

The stingless bee Melipona beecheii is extensively distributed across Mexico and Central America and the only Melipona found in the Greater Antilles. The aim of this work was to establish possible continental affinities of M. beecheii from the Antilles. We compared populations from the main island (Cuba) with two clearly separated genetic lineages of M. beecheii on mainland, namely the Yucatán peninsula (Mexico) and Costa Rica. We used morphometrics, the degree of cephalic maculation, and microsatellite variation. Results indicate a greater morphological and genetic similarity between populations from Cuba and the Yucatán peninsula with respect to those of Costa Rica. Based on our findings, we conclude that the origin of M. beecheii from Cuba is more likely the Yucatán peninsula (Mexico). We found evidence that isolation has not been large enough to result in a new genetic lineage.

Physicochemical, Rheological, and Thermal Properties of Pot-Honey from the Stingless Bee Melipona beecheii

“…In the Mesoamerican region, many stingless bee species are harnessed, but few of them stand out as exploitable for economic activity like Melipona beecheii. This stingless bee is distributed not only across southwest México and Central America (Mesoamerica) but also across Cuba and Jamaica (May-Itzá et al, 2019).…”