National Bee Day, observed on October 3rd, emphasizes the crucial role of bees in pollination…

National Bee Day, observed on October 3rd, emphasizes the crucial role of bees in pollination and Brazil's biodiversity. Researchers from the National Institute of Amazonian Research estimate that up to 90% of native plants in the Amazon depend on stingless bee species for reproduction.

The Amazon hosts about 120 stingless bee species, including uruçu, tiúba, jupará, jandaíra, and canudo. Despite their name, these bees are harmless as their stingers are underdeveloped and cannot sting. The Inpa Bee Research Group, led by Gislene Zilse, has focused on species like Melipona interrupta and Melipona seminigra, chosen for their high honey production and ease of management.