Palynological analysis of Brazilian stingless bee pot-honey

Abstract

Scientific investigation of meliponine honey quality provides detailed information on where the bees go for food and also as pollinator agents. Palynological analysis of 22 stingless bee honeys, obtained in several localities of Brazil, showed that ~75% of the samples were monofloral (at least 45% of pollen grains were of one species). Botanical origin was in agreement with regional vegetation, and pollen suggests Meliponini maintain activity on a single plant species when nectar is available.