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'''''Scaptotrigona mexicana''''' is a species of [[stingless bee]] that lives throughout Mexico and is part of the [[Meliponini]] tribe.<ref name =article4>{{cite journal |title=Experience, but not distance, influences the recruitment precision in the stingless bee Scaptotrigona mexicana |journal = Naturwissenschaften|volume = 94|issue = 7|pages = 567–573|last1=Sánchez |first1=Daniel |last2=Kraus |first2=F. Bernard |last3=de Jesús Hernández |first3=Manuel |last4=Vandame |first4=Rémy |date = July 2007 |doi=10.1007/s00114-007-0229-z |pmid = 17333100}}</ref> This species is sometimes termed "Pisil Nekmej" and is extensively studied for its medicinal purposes.<ref name = |
'''''Scaptotrigona mexicana''''' is a species of [[stingless bee]] that lives throughout Mexico and is part of the [[Meliponini]] tribe.<ref name =article4>{{cite journal |title=Experience, but not distance, influences the recruitment precision in the stingless bee Scaptotrigona mexicana |journal = Naturwissenschaften|volume = 94|issue = 7|pages = 567–573|last1=Sánchez |first1=Daniel |last2=Kraus |first2=F. Bernard |last3=de Jesús Hernández |first3=Manuel |last4=Vandame |first4=Rémy |date = July 2007 |doi=10.1007/s00114-007-0229-z |pmid = 17333100|bibcode = 2007NW.....94..567S|s2cid = 22845518}}</ref> This species is sometimes termed "Pisil Nekmej" and is extensively studied for its medicinal purposes.<ref name =article7 /> This species is considered common and abundant throughout Mexico and it has been noted to thrive in tropical environments.<ref name =article4/><ref name = article2/> |
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==Taxonomy and phylogeny== |
==Taxonomy and phylogeny== |
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''S. mexicana'' is part of the [[Apidae]] |
''S. mexicana'' is part of the family [[Apidae]] and is in the tribe [[Meliponini]]. This species was named by [[Félix Édouard Guérin-Méneville]] in 1845.<ref name =article12>{{cite web |url=https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=764049 |title= Scaptotrigona mexicana|publisher=ITIS Report |access-date=9 October 2015}}</ref> |
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==Description and identification== |
==Description and identification== |
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''S. mexicana'' is composed of a [[Queen bee|queen]], female [[Worker bee|workers]], and [[Drone (bee)|males]] within each colony.<ref name = article13>{{cite journal |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225649021 |title=cephalic and Dufour gland decretions of ''Scaptotrigona mexicana'' queens: Chemical composition and biological activity* |journal=Apidologie |volume=38 |pages=38–46 |last1=Grajales-Conesa |first1=Julieta |last2=C. Rojas |first2=Julio |last3=Guzmán-Díaz |first3=Miguel |last4=Rincón-Rabanales |first4=Manuel |last5=Cruz-López |first5=Leopoldo |date=31 May 2006 |access-date=10 October 2015|doi=10.1051/apido:2006052 }}</ref> The males of this species are [[Ploidy|haploid]] and the queens single mate, resulting in reproductive [[Colony (biology)|colonies]] throughout the year.<ref name=article3/> This species has been noted to be [[Stingless bee|stingless]] and have strong jaws with which to bite. <ref name=article1>{{cite journal |jstor=25086404|title=Melitopalynological Characterization of Scaptotrigona mexicana Guérin (Apidae:Meliponini) and Apis Mellifera (Apidae: Apini) Honey Samples in Northern Puebla State, Mexico |journal=Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society |volume=80 |issue=4 |pages=377–391 |last1=Ramírez-Arriaga |first1=Elia |last2=Martínez-Hernández |first2=Enrique |date= October 2007 }}</ref> |
''S. mexicana'' is composed of a [[Queen bee|queen]], female [[Worker bee|workers]], and [[Drone (bee)|males]] within each colony.<ref name = article13>{{cite journal |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225649021 |title=cephalic and Dufour gland decretions of ''Scaptotrigona mexicana'' queens: Chemical composition and biological activity* |journal=Apidologie |volume=38 |pages=38–46 |last1=Grajales-Conesa |first1=Julieta |last2=C. Rojas |first2=Julio |last3=Guzmán-Díaz |first3=Miguel |last4=Rincón-Rabanales |first4=Manuel |last5=Cruz-López |first5=Leopoldo |date=31 May 2006 |access-date=10 October 2015|doi=10.1051/apido:2006052 |s2cid=38132454 }}</ref> The males of this species are [[Ploidy|haploid]] and the queens single mate, resulting in reproductive [[Colony (biology)|colonies]] throughout the year.<ref name=article3/> This species has been noted to be [[Stingless bee|stingless]] and have strong jaws with which to bite. <ref name=article1>{{cite journal |jstor=25086404|title=Melitopalynological Characterization of Scaptotrigona mexicana Guérin (Apidae:Meliponini) and Apis Mellifera (Apidae: Apini) Honey Samples in Northern Puebla State, Mexico |journal=Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society |volume=80 |issue=4 |pages=377–391 |last1=Ramírez-Arriaga |first1=Elia |last2=Martínez-Hernández |first2=Enrique |date= October 2007 |doi=10.2317/0022-8567(2007)80[377:MCOSMG]2.0.CO;2 }}</ref> |
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===Queen characteristics=== |
===Queen characteristics=== |
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The queen is noted to focus on single mating, and colonies are often formed within areas where virgin queens are thought to settle in. The male bees are able to distinguish between a [[ |
The queen is noted to focus on single mating, and colonies are often formed within areas where virgin queens are thought to settle in. The male bees are able to distinguish between a [[physogastric]] and a virgin queen, allowing them to strategically form a colony in a place where reproductive success is greater.<ref name=article5>{{cite web |url=https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/file/index/docid/1003576/filename/hal-01003576.pdf |title=Olfactory attraction of Scaptotrigona mexicana drones to their virgin queen volatiles |last1=Verdugo-Dargon|first1=Marlene |last2=Cruz-Lopez |first2=Leopaldo|last3=Malo |first3=Edi |last4=Rojas |first4=Julio |last5=Guzman-Diaz |first5=Miguel |publisher=Apidologie, Springer Verlag (Germany) |date= 1 Jan 2011 |access-date=7 October 2015}}</ref> |
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===Workers=== |
===Workers=== |
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The workers from the same colony maintain identical paternal [[Allele|alleles]] and one of two maternal alleles, resulting from the single mating habits of the queen.<ref name = article3/> The workers can be identified by the aggressive mannerism with which they protect and defend the nest.<ref name= article1/> Additionally, workers of this species maintain black/dark brown heads, [[Scutellum (insect anatomy)|scutellums]], [[Metasoma|metasomas]], and [[Abdomen|abdomens]], with [[Aposematism|no stripes]]. Their [[Thorax (insect anatomy)|thorax]] is measured to be around 2.44 mm wide.<ref name=article14>{{cite journal |jstor=4223727|title= |
The workers from the same colony maintain identical paternal [[Allele|alleles]] and one of two maternal alleles, resulting from the single mating habits of the queen.<ref name = article3/> The workers can be identified by the aggressive mannerism with which they protect and defend the nest.<ref name= article1/> Additionally, workers of this species maintain black/dark brown heads, [[Scutellum (insect anatomy)|scutellums]], [[Metasoma|metasomas]], and [[Abdomen|abdomens]], with [[Aposematism|no stripes]]. Their [[Thorax (insect anatomy)|thorax]] is measured to be around 2.44 mm wide.<ref name=article14>{{cite journal |jstor=4223727|title=Thermal Constraints for Stingless Bee Foragers: The Importance of Body Size and Coloration |journal=Oecologia |volume=137 |issue=1 |pages=42–50 |last1=Pereboom |first1=J. J. M. |last2=Biesmeijer |first2=J. C. |date= September 2003 |pmid=12838404 |doi=10.1007/s00442-003-1324-2 |bibcode=2003Oecol.137...42P |s2cid=23374351 }}</ref> |
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Thermal Constraints for Stingless Bee Foragers: The Importance of Body Size and Coloration |journal=Oecologia |volume=137 |issue=1 |pages=42–50 |last1=Pereboom |first1=J. J. M. |last2=Biesmeijer |first2=J. C. |date= September 2003 |pmid=12838404 |doi=10.1007/s00442-003-1324-2 }}</ref> |
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==Distribution and habitat== |
==Distribution and habitat== |
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[[File:CIA map of Central America.png|thumb|Distribution of ''S. mexicana'']] |
[[File:CIA map of Central America.png|thumb|Distribution of ''S. mexicana'']] |
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The ''S. mexicana'' species is distributed through [[Central America]] from the 24th degree to 8th degree northern latitude.<ref name=article3>{{cite journal |title=Outbreeding and lack of temporal genetic structure in a drone congregation of the neotropical stingless bee ''Scapotrigona mexicana'' |last1=Mueller |first1=Matthias Y. |last2=Moritz |first2=Robin F. A. |last3=Bernhard Kraus |first3=F. |journal=Ecology and Evolution |date= 25 May 2012 |doi=10.1002/ece3.203 |pmid=22833802 |volume=2 |issue = 6|pages=1304–1311}}</ref> This species is noted to inhabit Southeastern Mexico along with around 30 other bee species.<ref name=article3/> |
The ''S. mexicana'' species is distributed through [[Central America]] from the 24th degree to 8th degree northern latitude.<ref name=article3>{{cite journal |title=Outbreeding and lack of temporal genetic structure in a drone congregation of the neotropical stingless bee ''Scapotrigona mexicana'' |last1=Mueller |first1=Matthias Y. |last2=Moritz |first2=Robin F. A. |last3=Bernhard Kraus |first3=F. |journal=Ecology and Evolution |date= 25 May 2012 |doi=10.1002/ece3.203 |pmid=22833802 |volume=2 |issue = 6|pages=1304–1311|pmc=3402202 }}</ref> This species is noted to inhabit Southeastern Mexico along with around 30 other bee species.<ref name=article3/> |
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===Environmental adaptations=== |
===Environmental adaptations=== |
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[[File:Meliponini nest (8739050148).jpg|thumb|Meliponini species inhabiting hollow tree trunk]] |
[[File:Meliponini nest (8739050148).jpg|thumb|Meliponini species inhabiting hollow tree trunk]] |
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It has been noted that new colonies of ''S. mexicana'' can be formed with 2750 mature pupae and 50 g of brood. |
It has been noted that new colonies of ''S. mexicana'' can be formed with 2750 mature pupae and 50 g of brood. |
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| ⚫ | <ref name="article6">{{cite web |url=http://www.conservationevidence.com/individual-study/1720 |title=''New colonies of the stingless bee Scaptotrigona mexicana can be started with 50 g of mature pupae;experiments on a coffee plantation in Tuxtla Chico, Cihiapas, Mexico'' |last1=F |first1=Obregón |last2=A |first2=Arzaluz |last3= R |first3=Jones |publisher=Journal of Apicultural Research |date= 25 May 2002 |access-date=9 October 2015}}</ref> This species is noted to inhabit Southeastern Mexico, where it nests in the hollows of tree trunks.<ref name="article3" /> ''S. mexicana'' lives in these tree cavities where they form colonies by stacking brood cells in the shape of a pyramid. It is possible to distinguish colonies within the species since there are identical paternal alleles.<ref name="article3" /> This species has been observed forming drones very close to nests, strategically waiting to create these drones near where a potential virgin queen may be.<ref name="article5" /> Additionally, this species tends to forage in trees and shrubs, which helps to enhance its polylectic behavior. They have especially been seen to have high diversity values because of the diverse resources that they live and take resources from.<ref name="article1" /> |
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<ref name="article6">{{cite web |url=http://www.conservationevidence.com/individual-study/1720 |title= |
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| ⚫ | ''New colonies of the stingless bee Scaptotrigona mexicana can be started with 50 g of mature pupae;experiments on a coffee plantation in Tuxtla Chico, Cihiapas, Mexico'' |last1=F |first1=Obregón |last2=A |first2=Arzaluz |last3= R |first3=Jones |publisher=Journal of Apicultural Research |date= 25 May 2002 |access-date=9 October 2015}}</ref> This species is noted to inhabit Southeastern Mexico, where it nests in the hollows of tree trunks.<ref name="article3" /> ''S. mexicana'' lives in these tree cavities where they form colonies by stacking brood cells in the shape of a pyramid. It is possible to distinguish colonies within the species since there are identical paternal alleles.<ref name="article3" /> This species has been observed forming drones very close to nests, strategically waiting to create these drones near where a potential virgin queen may be.<ref name="article5" /> Additionally, this species tends to forage in trees and shrubs, which helps to enhance its polylectic behavior. They have especially been seen to have high diversity values because of the diverse resources that they live and take resources from.<ref name="article1" /> |
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===Drone congregations=== |
===Drone congregations=== |
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The ''S. mexicana'' species form large perennial colonies which are divided based by communication methods. They have a tendency to form drone congregations, consisting of approximately 132 colonies. The better the environment and the more steady food supply that exists, the more reproductive swarms and more drones are formed. Based on how these swarms align, there are genetically related colonies formed around a mother nest, thus eventually resulting in the drone formation.<ref name="article2">{{cite journal |title = Genetic structure of drone congregations of the stingless bee ''Scaptotrigona mexicana'' |journal = Insectes Sociaux|volume = 55|pages = 22–27|last1 = Kraus|first1 = F.B.|last2 = Weinhold|first2 = S.|last3 = Moritz|first3 = R. F. A.|date = 23 October 2007|doi = 10.1007/s00040-007-0966-1 }}</ref> |
The ''S. mexicana'' species form large perennial colonies which are divided based by communication methods. They have a tendency to form drone congregations, consisting of approximately 132 colonies. The better the environment and the more steady food supply that exists, the more reproductive swarms and more drones are formed. Based on how these swarms align, there are genetically related colonies formed around a mother nest, thus eventually resulting in the drone formation.<ref name="article2">{{cite journal |title = Genetic structure of drone congregations of the stingless bee ''Scaptotrigona mexicana'' |journal = Insectes Sociaux|volume = 55|pages = 22–27|last1 = Kraus|first1 = F.B.|last2 = Weinhold|first2 = S.|last3 = Moritz|first3 = R. F. A.|date = 23 October 2007|doi = 10.1007/s00040-007-0966-1 |s2cid = 34909767}}</ref> |
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===Colony decline=== |
===Colony decline=== |
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===Queen behavior=== |
===Queen behavior=== |
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It is thought that ''S. mexicana'' detect queens and assess their reproductive status based on olfactory signals. A drone of this species can distinguish a |
It is thought that ''S. mexicana'' detect queens and assess their reproductive status based on olfactory signals. A drone of this species can distinguish a physogastric and virgin queen due to the compounds in the queens head.<ref name =article5/> The queens have been noted to have 2 alcohols and 2 nonanols that distinguish them from the drones as a queen ready for reproduction. The abdomen of the virgin queens specifically maintain compounds to attract drones.<ref name="article5" /> |
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===Mating selection=== |
===Mating selection=== |
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Queens of these species are [[monandrous]] and have a single mate in the start of a colony cycle. ''S. mexicana'' specifically creates drone congregations in order to avoid inbreeding. In this species it is noted that drones are composed of up to 132 various colonies that all maintain varied genes and fitnesses. Male bees from nearby colonies are noted to avoid joining congregations closer to them in an |
Queens of these species are [[monandrous]] and have a single mate in the start of a colony cycle. ''S. mexicana'' specifically creates drone congregations in order to avoid inbreeding. In this species it is noted that drones are composed of up to 132 various colonies that all maintain varied genes and fitnesses. Male bees from nearby colonies are noted to avoid joining congregations closer to them in an effort to reduce chances of mating with a sister or a close relative.<ref name=article3/> This form of disassortive mating proves an effective behavioral mating system given that the probability of sister-brother mating is decreased and eventually a drone aggregation is able to fission in to many genetically diverse colonies.<ref name="article3" /> |
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===Within species communication=== |
===Within species communication=== |
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These bees have been observed to indicate the presence or lack thereof of food through visual or olfactory marks. Certain forager species choose olfactory marks to indicate specifically rich food sources.<ref name=article8>{{cite journal |
These bees have been observed to indicate the presence or lack thereof of food through visual or olfactory marks. Certain forager species choose olfactory marks to indicate specifically rich food sources.<ref name=article8>{{cite journal |title=Experience-based interpretation of visual and chemical information at food sources in the stingless ''Scaptotrigona mexicana'' |last1=Sánchez |first1=Daniel |last2=Nieh |first2=James C. |last3=Vandame|first3=Reémy |date=August 2008 |doi=10.1016/j.anbehav.2008.04.003 |volume=76 |issue=2 |journal=Animal Behaviour |pages=407–414|s2cid=997279 }}</ref> Depending on the resources shape and color there are different responses and communication behaviors exhibited by the bee.<ref name=article9>{{cite journal |title=Outbreeding and lack of temporal genetic structure in a drone congregation of the neotropical stingless bee Effect of ''Citrus'' floral extracts on the foraging behavior of the stingless bee ''Scaptotrigona pectoralis'' (Dalla Torre) |journal=Revista Brasileira de Entomologia |volume=56 |pages=76–80 |last1=Grajales-Conesa |first1=Julieta |last2=Ramírez |first2=RVirginia Meleéndez|last3=Cruz-López |first3=Leopoldo |last4=Guillén |first4=Daniel Saánchez |date=March 2012 |doi=10.1590/S0085-56262012000100012 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Additionally, this behavior decreases the competition between nest mates because the bees are able to exploit and find new food sources using their olfactory and visual senses. Individuals tend to leave a scent of food in order to advertise when there is food whether it is far or close to the colony, which helps to indicate to other species the level of competition for such a small or large amount of food.<ref name=article4/> |
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== Kin selection== |
== Kin selection== |
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===Worker queen conflict=== |
===Worker queen conflict=== |
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Given that ''S. mexicana'' are monandrous, the genotypes of the workers of each individual colonies does indicate a single patriline, indicated by one paternal allele that each worker carries.<ref name =article15>{{cite journal |title=Paternity frequency and maternity of males in some stingless bee species |journal = Molecular Ecology|volume = 11|issue = 10|pages = 2107–2113|last1=Palmer |first1=Kellie A. |last2=Oldroyd |first2=Benjamin P. |last3=Quezada-Euán |first3=José Javier G. |last4=Paxton |first4=Robert J. |last5=de May-Itza |first5=William |date= 25 June 2002|doi=10.1046/j.1365-294X.2002.01589.x }}</ref> Therefore, it is thought that the queen is inseminated by males in order to create more workers with each colony cycle, but the workers themselves are not encouraged by the queen to lay eggs. In a monogamous setting, workers produce males in order to help maximize patrilines and pass on their own genes rather than laying females, a feature that the queen has been noted to prevent.<ref name="article15"/> This species is considered common and abundant throughout Mexico and has been noted to thrive in tropical environments.<ref name =article4/><ref name = article2/> |
Given that ''S. mexicana'' are monandrous, the genotypes of the workers of each individual colonies does indicate a single patriline, indicated by one paternal allele that each worker carries.<ref name =article15>{{cite journal |title=Paternity frequency and maternity of males in some stingless bee species |journal = Molecular Ecology|volume = 11|issue = 10|pages = 2107–2113|last1=Palmer |first1=Kellie A. |last2=Oldroyd |first2=Benjamin P. |last3=Quezada-Euán |first3=José Javier G. |last4=Paxton |first4=Robert J. |last5=de May-Itza |first5=William |date= 25 June 2002|doi=10.1046/j.1365-294X.2002.01589.x |s2cid = 44571939}}</ref> Therefore, it is thought that the queen is inseminated by males in order to create more workers with each colony cycle, but the workers themselves are not encouraged by the queen to lay eggs. In a monogamous setting, workers produce males in order to help maximize patrilines and pass on their own genes rather than laying females, a feature that the queen has been noted to prevent.<ref name="article15"/> This species is considered common and abundant throughout Mexico and has been noted to thrive in tropical environments.<ref name =article4/><ref name = article2/> |
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==Human importance== |
==Human importance== |
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Because this species produces honey and pollen |
Because this species produces honey and pollen, there is ongoing research to understand the potential utility of managing the species.<ref name =article7/> |
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===Agriculture=== |
===Agriculture=== |
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''S. mexicana'' are considered to be crop pollinators, as they forage for nectar on |
''S. mexicana'' are considered to be crop pollinators, as they forage for nectar on crop plants including ''[[Pimenta dioica]]'' and ''[[Coffea arabica]]''. ''S. mexicana'' has preference for the following plants as sources of nectar and pollen: |
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*''Ageratum houstonianum'' |
*''[[Ageratum houstonianum]]'' |
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*''Heliocarpus donell-smithii'' |
*''[[Heliocarpus]] donell-smithii'' |
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*''Miconia argentea'' |
*''[[Miconia]] argentea'' |
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*''Piper'' sp.<ref name=article1/> |
*''[[Piper (plant)|Piper]]'' sp.<ref name=article1/> |
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===Honey production=== |
===Honey production=== |
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''S. mexicana |
''S. mexicana'' production of honey and pollen has been important all across the [[Yucatan Peninsula]].<ref name =article7>{{cite journal |pmc=4061457 |title=Diversity, local knowledge and use of stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) in the municipality of Nocupétaro, Michoacan, Mexico |volume=10 |pages=47 |last1=Reyes-González|first1=Alejandro |last2=Camou-Guerrero |first2=Andrés |last3=Reyes-Salas |first3=Octavio |last4=Argueta |first4=Arturo |last5=Casas |first5=Alejandro |journal=Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine |date = 5 June 2014 |pmid=24903644 |doi=10.1186/1746-4269-10-47 |doi-access=free }}</ref> ''S. mexicana'' is sometimes kept in apiaries when domesticated in order to maximize honey production for commercial use, and the honey of this species has been used in [[traditional medicine]] to treat illnesses ranging from coughs and throat aches to cancers and infertility.<ref name = article7/> |
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''S. mexicana'' is often kept in apiaries when domesticated in order to maximize honey production for commercial and medicinal use.<ref name=article3/> The honey of these species has been used to treat illnesses ranging from coughs and throat aches to cancers and infertility.<ref name = article7/> |
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===History=== |
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Mesoamerican meliponiculture is thought to be extremely influential on the indigenous people of Southern Mexico and the Sierra Norte. Not only was their honey used for medicinal and cooking purposes, but the wax produced by these bees was used for making candles and other commercial products.<ref name = article7/> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Latest revision as of 13:45, 2 September 2024
| Scaptotrigona mexicana | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scaptotrigona mexicana collecting pollen | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Apidae |
| Genus: | Scaptotrigona |
| Species: | S. mexicana
|
| Binomial name | |
| Scaptotrigona mexicana Guérin-Méneville, 1845
| |
Scaptotrigona mexicana is a species of stingless bee that lives throughout Mexico and is part of the Meliponini tribe.[1] This species is sometimes termed "Pisil Nekmej" and is extensively studied for its medicinal purposes.[2] This species is considered common and abundant throughout Mexico and it has been noted to thrive in tropical environments.[1][3]
Taxonomy and phylogeny
[edit]S. mexicana is part of the family Apidae and is in the tribe Meliponini. This species was named by Félix Édouard Guérin-Méneville in 1845.[4]
Description and identification
[edit]S. mexicana is composed of a queen, female workers, and males within each colony.[5] The males of this species are haploid and the queens single mate, resulting in reproductive colonies throughout the year.[6] This species has been noted to be stingless and have strong jaws with which to bite. [7]
Queen characteristics
[edit]The queen is noted to focus on single mating, and colonies are often formed within areas where virgin queens are thought to settle in. The male bees are able to distinguish between a physogastric and a virgin queen, allowing them to strategically form a colony in a place where reproductive success is greater.[8]
Workers
[edit]The workers from the same colony maintain identical paternal alleles and one of two maternal alleles, resulting from the single mating habits of the queen.[6] The workers can be identified by the aggressive mannerism with which they protect and defend the nest.[7] Additionally, workers of this species maintain black/dark brown heads, scutellums, metasomas, and abdomens, with no stripes. Their thorax is measured to be around 2.44 mm wide.[9]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]
The S. mexicana species is distributed through Central America from the 24th degree to 8th degree northern latitude.[6] This species is noted to inhabit Southeastern Mexico along with around 30 other bee species.[6]
Environmental adaptations
[edit]It has been found that the body size, body color, and geographic distribution of stingless bees are correlated. S. mexicana is often found in wet lowlands but primarily in elevated mountain regions, which is supported by the idea that stingless bees of dark color and average size tend to remain in high attitudes.
Colony cycle
[edit]Colony growth
[edit].jpg)
It has been noted that new colonies of S. mexicana can be formed with 2750 mature pupae and 50 g of brood. [10] This species is noted to inhabit Southeastern Mexico, where it nests in the hollows of tree trunks.[6] S. mexicana lives in these tree cavities where they form colonies by stacking brood cells in the shape of a pyramid. It is possible to distinguish colonies within the species since there are identical paternal alleles.[6] This species has been observed forming drones very close to nests, strategically waiting to create these drones near where a potential virgin queen may be.[8] Additionally, this species tends to forage in trees and shrubs, which helps to enhance its polylectic behavior. They have especially been seen to have high diversity values because of the diverse resources that they live and take resources from.[7]
Drone congregations
[edit]The S. mexicana species form large perennial colonies which are divided based by communication methods. They have a tendency to form drone congregations, consisting of approximately 132 colonies. The better the environment and the more steady food supply that exists, the more reproductive swarms and more drones are formed. Based on how these swarms align, there are genetically related colonies formed around a mother nest, thus eventually resulting in the drone formation.[3]
Colony decline
[edit]These colonies primarily decline due to deforestation.[10] Due to human alteration of many ecosystems in which these species thrive, there is difficulty in preserving and managing S. mexicana.[7]
Behavior
[edit]Queen behavior
[edit]It is thought that S. mexicana detect queens and assess their reproductive status based on olfactory signals. A drone of this species can distinguish a physogastric and virgin queen due to the compounds in the queens head.[8] The queens have been noted to have 2 alcohols and 2 nonanols that distinguish them from the drones as a queen ready for reproduction. The abdomen of the virgin queens specifically maintain compounds to attract drones.[8]
Mating selection
[edit]Queens of these species are monandrous and have a single mate in the start of a colony cycle. S. mexicana specifically creates drone congregations in order to avoid inbreeding. In this species it is noted that drones are composed of up to 132 various colonies that all maintain varied genes and fitnesses. Male bees from nearby colonies are noted to avoid joining congregations closer to them in an effort to reduce chances of mating with a sister or a close relative.[6] This form of disassortive mating proves an effective behavioral mating system given that the probability of sister-brother mating is decreased and eventually a drone aggregation is able to fission in to many genetically diverse colonies.[6]
Within species communication
[edit]These bees have been observed to indicate the presence or lack thereof of food through visual or olfactory marks. Certain forager species choose olfactory marks to indicate specifically rich food sources.[11] Depending on the resources shape and color there are different responses and communication behaviors exhibited by the bee.[12] Additionally, this behavior decreases the competition between nest mates because the bees are able to exploit and find new food sources using their olfactory and visual senses. Individuals tend to leave a scent of food in order to advertise when there is food whether it is far or close to the colony, which helps to indicate to other species the level of competition for such a small or large amount of food.[1]
Kin selection
[edit]Genetic relatedness within colonies
[edit]Workers within the same colony all have one of two maternal alleles, which guarantees relatedness as offspring of the same queen. This species chooses to forms drones in order to encourage outbreeding which increases the fitness of the colony unlike inbreeding.[6]
Costs and benefits of sociality
[edit]As a eusocial species, it has been observed that S. mexicana occasionally exemplify foraging behavior. Additionally, S. mexicana have been seen recruiting nestmates in order to enhance overall communication to enhance food behavior and food consumption.[2]
Worker queen conflict
[edit]Given that S. mexicana are monandrous, the genotypes of the workers of each individual colonies does indicate a single patriline, indicated by one paternal allele that each worker carries.[13] Therefore, it is thought that the queen is inseminated by males in order to create more workers with each colony cycle, but the workers themselves are not encouraged by the queen to lay eggs. In a monogamous setting, workers produce males in order to help maximize patrilines and pass on their own genes rather than laying females, a feature that the queen has been noted to prevent.[13] This species is considered common and abundant throughout Mexico and has been noted to thrive in tropical environments.[1][3]
Human importance
[edit]Because this species produces honey and pollen, there is ongoing research to understand the potential utility of managing the species.[2]
Agriculture
[edit]S. mexicana are considered to be crop pollinators, as they forage for nectar on crop plants including Pimenta dioica and Coffea arabica. S. mexicana has preference for the following plants as sources of nectar and pollen:
- Ageratum houstonianum
- Heliocarpus donell-smithii
- Miconia argentea
- Piper sp.[7]
Honey production
[edit]S. mexicana production of honey and pollen has been important all across the Yucatan Peninsula.[2] S. mexicana is sometimes kept in apiaries when domesticated in order to maximize honey production for commercial use, and the honey of this species has been used in traditional medicine to treat illnesses ranging from coughs and throat aches to cancers and infertility.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Sánchez, Daniel; Kraus, F. Bernard; de Jesús Hernández, Manuel; Vandame, Rémy (July 2007). "Experience, but not distance, influences the recruitment precision in the stingless bee Scaptotrigona mexicana". Naturwissenschaften. 94 (7): 567–573. Bibcode:2007NW.....94..567S. doi:10.1007/s00114-007-0229-z. PMID 17333100. S2CID 22845518.
- ^ a b c d e Reyes-González, Alejandro; Camou-Guerrero, Andrés; Reyes-Salas, Octavio; Argueta, Arturo; Casas, Alejandro (5 June 2014). "Diversity, local knowledge and use of stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) in the municipality of Nocupétaro, Michoacan, Mexico". Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 10: 47. doi:10.1186/1746-4269-10-47. PMC 4061457. PMID 24903644.
- ^ a b c Kraus, F.B.; Weinhold, S.; Moritz, R. F. A. (23 October 2007). "Genetic structure of drone congregations of the stingless bee Scaptotrigona mexicana". Insectes Sociaux. 55: 22–27. doi:10.1007/s00040-007-0966-1. S2CID 34909767.
- ^ "Scaptotrigona mexicana". ITIS Report. Retrieved 9 October 2015.
- ^ Grajales-Conesa, Julieta; C. Rojas, Julio; Guzmán-Díaz, Miguel; Rincón-Rabanales, Manuel; Cruz-López, Leopoldo (31 May 2006). "cephalic and Dufour gland decretions of Scaptotrigona mexicana queens: Chemical composition and biological activity*". Apidologie. 38: 38–46. doi:10.1051/apido:2006052. S2CID 38132454. Retrieved 10 October 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Mueller, Matthias Y.; Moritz, Robin F. A.; Bernhard Kraus, F. (25 May 2012). "Outbreeding and lack of temporal genetic structure in a drone congregation of the neotropical stingless bee Scapotrigona mexicana". Ecology and Evolution. 2 (6): 1304–1311. doi:10.1002/ece3.203. PMC 3402202. PMID 22833802.
- ^ a b c d e Ramírez-Arriaga, Elia; Martínez-Hernández, Enrique (October 2007). "Melitopalynological Characterization of Scaptotrigona mexicana Guérin (Apidae:Meliponini) and Apis Mellifera (Apidae: Apini) Honey Samples in Northern Puebla State, Mexico". Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society. 80 (4): 377–391. doi:10.2317/0022-8567(2007)80[377:MCOSMG]2.0.CO;2. JSTOR 25086404.
- ^ a b c d Verdugo-Dargon, Marlene; Cruz-Lopez, Leopaldo; Malo, Edi; Rojas, Julio; Guzman-Diaz, Miguel (1 Jan 2011). "Olfactory attraction of Scaptotrigona mexicana drones to their virgin queen volatiles" (PDF). Apidologie, Springer Verlag (Germany). Retrieved 7 October 2015.
- ^ Pereboom, J. J. M.; Biesmeijer, J. C. (September 2003). "Thermal Constraints for Stingless Bee Foragers: The Importance of Body Size and Coloration". Oecologia. 137 (1): 42–50. Bibcode:2003Oecol.137...42P. doi:10.1007/s00442-003-1324-2. JSTOR 4223727. PMID 12838404. S2CID 23374351.
- ^ a b F, Obregón; A, Arzaluz; R, Jones (25 May 2002). "New colonies of the stingless bee Scaptotrigona mexicana can be started with 50 g of mature pupae;experiments on a coffee plantation in Tuxtla Chico, Cihiapas, Mexico". Journal of Apicultural Research. Retrieved 9 October 2015.
- ^ Sánchez, Daniel; Nieh, James C.; Vandame, Reémy (August 2008). "Experience-based interpretation of visual and chemical information at food sources in the stingless Scaptotrigona mexicana". Animal Behaviour. 76 (2): 407–414. doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2008.04.003. S2CID 997279.
- ^ Grajales-Conesa, Julieta; Ramírez, RVirginia Meleéndez; Cruz-López, Leopoldo; Guillén, Daniel Saánchez (March 2012). "Outbreeding and lack of temporal genetic structure in a drone congregation of the neotropical stingless bee Effect of Citrus floral extracts on the foraging behavior of the stingless bee Scaptotrigona pectoralis (Dalla Torre)". Revista Brasileira de Entomologia. 56: 76–80. doi:10.1590/S0085-56262012000100012.
- ^ a b Palmer, Kellie A.; Oldroyd, Benjamin P.; Quezada-Euán, José Javier G.; Paxton, Robert J.; de May-Itza, William (25 June 2002). "Paternity frequency and maternity of males in some stingless bee species". Molecular Ecology. 11 (10): 2107–2113. doi:10.1046/j.1365-294X.2002.01589.x. S2CID 44571939.