Urban green refuges influence pollen foraging and trophic plasticity of stingless bees

Abstract The present study evaluated the foraging of stingless bees (Meliponini) nesting at the Poeta Torquato Neto Campus in Teresina-PI, aiming to characterize the explored pollen spectrum and the temporal patterns of foraging activity in an urban environment. The research was conducted between October and December 2024, involving three nests established in natural tree cavities. Pollen loads transported in the workers' corbiculae were collected at different times and subjected to classical palynological analysis to identify the visited botanical families. The results evidenced a predominance of Myrtaceae, followed by Bignoniaceae, Turneraceae, and Anacardiaceae, indicating a selective yet flexible exploitation of available floral resources. Foraging activity was concentrated in the morning period, suggesting behavioral adjustment to microclimatic conditions and the temporal dynamics of pollen supply during the dearth period. The findings demonstrate that the campus acts as an ecological micro-refuge within an urban matrix, providing trophic resources and nesting substrates for the colonies. This study expands the understanding of the trophic niche and behavioral plasticity of stingless bees in anthropized landscapes and provides insights for management strategies and the conservation of native pollinators in urban environments.