Brazilian native bees research at REGUA

An Euglossa genus bee (©Cristiana Koschnitzke).

Bees play a fundamental role on the planet contributing to plant reproduction and the maintenance of life. Their work is present in our daily lives, in our food and even in the use of cosmetics. Bees also contribute enormously to the conservation of forests. Currently these insects are suffering great losses either by extensive use of pesticides, climate change or habitat loss. 

Neomaricas are often visited by bees  (©Cristiana Koschnitzke).

Considering this situation, there is a real need to preserve more flowering plants that attract bees worldwide.

Bees can use floral resources, such as pollen, nectar, oils and resins to feed themselves, build nests and nourish their larvae. They can also collect floral scents that help in their reproduction.

With this in mind, the National Museum – UFRJ will be carrying out a research at REGUA to identify which herbaceous plants are attractive to bees and which resources are being offered by these plants. The results of this study will further our understanding of forests´ and bees´ conservation  at REGUA.

Jorge and Israel keeping undergraduate biology student Ana company while looking for bees (©Cristiana Koschnitzke).