Genetic Characterization of Melipona subnitida Stingless Bee in Brazilian Northeast

A unique mitochondrial haplotype of the stingless bee Melipona subnitida was identified exclusively in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, differing from known haplotypes in the Caatinga biome. This suggests distinct evolutionary processes at play in contrasting environments like arid regions and sandbanks. The study highlights M. subnitida's remarkable resilience to extreme conditions, including prolonged droughts, where colonies shrink to essential tasks during resource scarcity. Given climate change predictions for Northeastern Brazil—anticipating significant precipitation declines—the species' adaptive mechanisms are crucial. Researchers compared samples from diverse environments using genetic analysis to assess adaptation and survival strategies in varying climates.

Barbosa, M. d. M., Bonatti, V., Galaschi Teixeira, J. S., Correia Rêgo, M. M., & Francoy, T. M. (2019). Genetic Characterization of Melipona subnitida Stingless Bee in Brazilian Northeast. Sociobiology, 66(4), 597–601. https://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v66i4.3408