Stingless bees in urban areas: low body size and high frequency of diploid males at mating congregations of Nannotrigona perilampoides (Hymenoptera: Meliponini) in Mérida, Yucatán, México

In temperate regions of the world dominated by intensive agriculture, cities harbor a rich diversity and abundance bee species, often exceeding those rural environment. less industrialized tropical countries, in contrast, stressful conditions may exist for bees with perennial colonies such as stingless because lack resources amenity green spaces (flowers) appropriate nesting sites. Yet, we currently studies on ecology urban areas to test this idea. Here, compared body size (as possible indicator floral resource supply) frequency diploid males measure inbreeding) widespread bee, Nannotrigona perilampoides, at mating congregations within city Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, surrounding areas. We found that Merida were significantly smaller While both congregations, their was higher Our results suggest performance N. perilampoides is poorer sites, possibly consequence limited among small number colonies. discuss implications these findings survival fitness tropics.