Fabio Flores | CONICET - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Fabio Flores
Palynology, 2023
Plebeia mansita is a native stingless bee endemic to the Yungas whose populations are distributed... more Plebeia mansita is a native stingless bee endemic to the Yungas whose populations are distributed in sectors above 1000 m a.s.l. Its honeys and other products are used by local residents for various purposes, from food to medicinal uses. With the purpose of understanding the botanical resources that contribute nectar and nesting to this species of bee in the town of Baritu (22°28'54.1ʺS, 64°45'39.4ʺW; at 1546 m a.s.l.), we analyzed 41 honey samples collected between September 2011 and September 2015 and recorded the main host trees. The samples were examined by palynological techniques using acetolysis, revealing the use of pollen types belonging to native plants, mainly of arboreal habit. Pollen richness per sample varied from 13 to 31 pollen types (mean=22.7), where the family Asteraceae had the highest number of pollen types (n=9) and nectar relevance, followed by Myrtaceae. Relevant pollen types correspond to Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Ilex argentina, Myrcianthes pseudomato and Allophylus edulis, followed by Sambucus peruviana, Parapiptadenia excelsa, Handroanthus lapacho, Myrsine coriacea and Zanthoxylum. Other recorded pollen types, with importance index values below 3.5% were Eupatorium, Dendrophorbium bomanii, Senecio, Pseudognaphalium and pollen of the families Asteraceae and Rhamnaceae. On the other hand, when evaluating nesting substrates we recorded the frequency of use of trunks of Ilex argentina as 55.9%, Parapiptadenia excelsa 10.3%, Myrcianthes pungens 7.4%, M. pseudomato 5.9%, Juglans australis 4.4%, Handroanthus lapacho 2.9%, and Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Myrsine coriacea, Ocotea porphyria, Viburnum seemenii, Myrcianthes mato, Roupala montana var. brasiliensis and Erithrina falcata with a value of 1.5% each. The results obtained provide valuable information on the plants that provide nectar and nesting sites for this stingless bee. This information should be considered for the preparation of conservation or production plans for their hives and pollination activities.
Rodriguésia, 2021
Nectariferous and polliniferous resources are key to the survival of social bees, so identifying ... more Nectariferous and polliniferous resources are key to the survival of social bees, so identifying the origin sources allows the implementation of management actions aimed at a greater supply of nutrients for the colonies. Besides, defining the floral origin of honeys contributes to their characterization and commercialization. The objective of our work was to identify the plants that provide nectar to the bees Apis mellifera and Tetragonisca fiebrigi in northern Misiones, through palynological analysis of honey samples collected between 2006 and 2008. Both bees showed a polylectic foraging habit. Richness of pollen types per sample ranged between 10 and 34 (mean = 20.5 ± 7.7) for A. mellifera, and between 13 and 43 (mean = 24.8 ± 7.1) for T. fiebrigi. The 15 most abundant pollen types in the honeys of A. mellifera were, in decreasing order of importance, Euphorbiaceae, Euterpe edulis, Holocalyx balansae, Calyptranthes concinna-type, Actinostemon, Salix, Ruprechtia laxiflora, Myrcianthes pungens-type, Thinouia mucronata, Allophylus edulis, Ilex, Syagrus romanzoffiana, Gouania latifolia-type, Parapiptadenia rigida, and Baccharis-type, whereas in the honeys of T. fiebrigi the most important pollen types included S.
Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, Jan 11, 2018
The order Hymenoptera comprises melliferous insects (bees, wasps and bumblebees); among them, sti... more The order Hymenoptera comprises melliferous insects (bees, wasps and bumblebees); among them, stingless bees comprise a diverse group of eusocial insects present in tropical and subtropical areas. Of a total of approximately 500 species, 400 are found in the Neotropics. On the continent of America, before the introduction of Apis mellifera, these insects represented the main source of honey and wax. In Argentina, ethnobiological investigations had been carried out on this group of insects, principally in the Atlantic Forest and Chaco regions. Out of a total of 33 species, only 14 were recorded for use or breeding. In the Yungas, however, there are no ethnobiological studies analyzing this group of species, although the use of their products is mentioned in different ethnobotanical works. This paper studies the knowledge and uses of melliferous insects by the inhabitants of the village of Baritú and surrounding. Information on location, management and duties assigned (e.g., preparati...
Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2018
Background: The order Hymenoptera comprises melliferous insects (bees, wasps and bumblebees); amo... more Background: The order Hymenoptera comprises melliferous insects (bees, wasps and bumblebees); among them, stingless bees comprise a diverse group of eusocial insects present in tropical and subtropical areas. Of a total of approximately 500 species, 400 are found in the Neotropics. On the continent of America, before the introduction of Apis
mellifera, these insects represented the main source of honey and wax. In Argentina, ethnobiological investigations had been carried out on this group of insects, principally in the Atlantic Forest and Chaco regions. Out of a total of 33 species, only 14 were recorded for use or breeding. In the Yungas, however, there are no ethnobiological studies analyzing this group of species, although the use of their products is mentioned in different ethnobotanical works. This paper studies the knowledge and uses of melliferous insects by the inhabitants of the village of Baritú and surrounding.
Method: Information on location,management and duties assigned (e.g., preparation and administration) to deal with bee products like honey, pollen, wax and propolis was obtained through semi-structured interviews. Besides, reference material was collected to identify melliferous insects known and used in the region.
Results: Fifteen ethnospecies were identified and grouped locally according to their defensive behavior. The culturally most important species is the stingless bee Plebeia sp. nov.—mansita-, in terms of frequency of citations and diversity of uses, and among those that sting, the honeybee Apis mellifera—extranjera-. Honey, pollen, wax, and propolis of Plebeia sp. nov. had the highest current frequency of use. Honey is used in food (incorporated at pure state, as a complement and in drinks), as nutraceutical food and in medicinal preparations. In addition, it is an important resource for marketing during the warm season, infusions being the main mode of administration. Pollen is used as a supplement for food and alcoholic drinks, wax mainly in candle making, and propolis.
Conclusion: The data obtained in this study complements the information available in ethnobotanical studies carried out in the region. The present study is the first on melliferous insects in the area. A new species of stingless bee the genus Plebeia was registered, and it was observed that the known distribution of others has increased.
Resumen Con la finalidad de conocer los recursos tróficos utilizados por Plebeia intermedia, una ... more Resumen
Con la finalidad de conocer los recursos tróficos utilizados por Plebeia intermedia, una melipona de uso frecuente en la localidad de Baritú (22° 28’ 54,1” S; 64° 45’ 39,4” O; 1546 msnm), se efectuó el análisis polínico de diez muestras de miel colectadas en septiembre y octubre de 2011 y enero de 2012. Los exámenes cualitativos revelaron una cierta especialización de estas abejas por utilizar plantas nativas, de hábito arbóreo y con flores reunidas en inflorescencias abundantes (floraciones en masa). Los tipos polínicos dominantes presentes en las mieles monoflorales corresponden a las especies arbóreas Allophylus edulis (Sapindaceae), Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Myrtaceae) y Myrcianthes pseudomato (Myrtaceae), seguidos por Handroanthus ochraceus (Bignoniaceae), Ilex argentina (Aquifoliaceae), Parapiptadenia excelsa (Leguminosae) y Sambucus peruviana (Adoxaceae). Otros tipos polínicos observados en las muestras, con clases de frecuencia de menor importancia o secundario, fueron Eupatorium (Compositae), Senecio (Compositae), Paullinia (Sapindaceae) y pólenes de las familias Boraginaceae y Rhamnaceae. Los análisis efectuados en las mieles de Plebeia intermedia y los resultados obtenidos en este estudio, constituyen los primeros datos sobre los recursos tróficos utilizados por esta especie de melipona en el período primavera - verano.
Palabras clave: Melisopalinología, meliponas, flora melífera, Yungas.
Summary
Trophic resources used by Plebeia intermedia in the locality of Baritú, Salta, Argentina. Botanical characterization of its honeys. With the purpose of knowing the trophic resources used by Plebeia intermedia, a stingless bee of frequent use in Baritú locality (22° 28’ 54.1” S; 64° 45’ 39.4” W; at 1546 masl), ten honey samples were melissopalynologically analyzed, collected in September and October of 2011 and in January of 2012. The qualitative examinations showed a certain specialization of these bees for using native and arboreal plants, and with flowers clustered in dense inflorescences (mass flowering). The dominant pollen types that originated monofloral honeys were Allophylus edulis (Sapindaceae), Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Myrtaceae) and Myrcianthes pseudomato (Myrtaceae), followed by Handroanthus ochraceus (Bignoniaceae), Ilex argentina (Aquifoliaceae), Parapiptadenia excelsa (Leguminosae) and Sambucus peruviana (Adoxaceae). Other pollen types observed in the samples, with frequency classes important minor or secondary, were Eupatorium (Compositae), Senecio (Compositae), Paullinia (Sapindaceae) and pollens of the families Boraginaceae and Rhamnaceae. The realized examinations in the honeys of Plebeia intermedia and results obtained in this study, constitute the first data on the trophic resources used by this species of stingless bee in the period spring - summer.
Keywords: Melissopalynology, stingless bees, melliferous flora, Yungas.
We studied the airborne pollen content during the spring of 2007 in the San Salvador de Jujuy cit... more We studied the airborne pollen content during the spring of 2007 in the San Salvador de Jujuy city with the aim to record the qualitative composition, describe the weekly percentual variation of capture pollen, and the evaluation of the representativity of the regional native flora and presence of allergenic pollen. The sampling was carried out with a gravimetric Durham trap, with a weekly change of the samples. We identified 36 pollen types of which 17 belong to the exotic vegetation, 14 to the native vegetation from the Yungas forest and 5 of indefinite origin. The report shows that, during the sampled period, the airborne pollen content is influenced by the urban vegetation as also the significant contribution of arboreal plants from the native Yungas forest, such as Alnus acuminata, Juglans australis, Celtis sp., Anadenanthera colubrina, among others, while at the end of season the herbaceous pollen are predominant, mainly Amaranthaceae-Chenopodiaceae and Urticaceae. Of the total of pollen types registered, 16 are identified to have allergenic potential; they belong to exotic species present in the urban trees, such as Morus sp., Cupressus sp., Populus sp., Platanus acerifolia, among others, and Celtis sp. of the native flora. The obtained result represents the first aeropalynological study for the San Salvador de Jujuy city.
First results of botanical characterization of honeys produced by Tetragonisca angustula (Apidae,... more First results of botanical characterization of honeys produced by Tetragonisca angustula (Apidae, Meliponinae) in Los Naranjos, Salta, Argentina. The melissopalynological analysis was performed on ten honeys samples of Tetragonisca angustula Latreille breeding in the locality Los Naranjos (S 23°07' 19,2"; W 64°40' 32,6"), Salta, Argentina. We found a whole of 49 pollen types. In the honey monofloral, the dominant types corresponded to: Anadenanthera colubrina, Baccharis, Citrus sp., native Myrtaceae and a type undetermined (type 6). The remaining samples were multifloral. 62% of pollen types corresponding to representatives of the Yungas mountain forest; types like Anadenanthera colubrina, Bocconia integrifolia, Parapiptadenia excelsa, Phyllostylon rhamnoides, Sapium haematospermum, type Myrsine and a set of native Myrtaceae, which constitute the first appointment as nectar sources for T. angustula. Also identified pollen from plants typical of anthropogenic environments such as Carica papaya, Citrus sp., Eucalyptus sp., Leonurus sibiricus, among others. These results provide a first approximation to the knowledge of the flora used by T. angustula and geographic origin of their honey, establishing the first record of mountain forest of Yungas.
Palynology, 2023
Plebeia mansita is a native stingless bee endemic to the Yungas whose populations are distributed... more Plebeia mansita is a native stingless bee endemic to the Yungas whose populations are distributed in sectors above 1000 m a.s.l. Its honeys and other products are used by local residents for various purposes, from food to medicinal uses. With the purpose of understanding the botanical resources that contribute nectar and nesting to this species of bee in the town of Baritu (22°28'54.1ʺS, 64°45'39.4ʺW; at 1546 m a.s.l.), we analyzed 41 honey samples collected between September 2011 and September 2015 and recorded the main host trees. The samples were examined by palynological techniques using acetolysis, revealing the use of pollen types belonging to native plants, mainly of arboreal habit. Pollen richness per sample varied from 13 to 31 pollen types (mean=22.7), where the family Asteraceae had the highest number of pollen types (n=9) and nectar relevance, followed by Myrtaceae. Relevant pollen types correspond to Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Ilex argentina, Myrcianthes pseudomato and Allophylus edulis, followed by Sambucus peruviana, Parapiptadenia excelsa, Handroanthus lapacho, Myrsine coriacea and Zanthoxylum. Other recorded pollen types, with importance index values below 3.5% were Eupatorium, Dendrophorbium bomanii, Senecio, Pseudognaphalium and pollen of the families Asteraceae and Rhamnaceae. On the other hand, when evaluating nesting substrates we recorded the frequency of use of trunks of Ilex argentina as 55.9%, Parapiptadenia excelsa 10.3%, Myrcianthes pungens 7.4%, M. pseudomato 5.9%, Juglans australis 4.4%, Handroanthus lapacho 2.9%, and Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Myrsine coriacea, Ocotea porphyria, Viburnum seemenii, Myrcianthes mato, Roupala montana var. brasiliensis and Erithrina falcata with a value of 1.5% each. The results obtained provide valuable information on the plants that provide nectar and nesting sites for this stingless bee. This information should be considered for the preparation of conservation or production plans for their hives and pollination activities.
Rodriguésia, 2021
Nectariferous and polliniferous resources are key to the survival of social bees, so identifying ... more Nectariferous and polliniferous resources are key to the survival of social bees, so identifying the origin sources allows the implementation of management actions aimed at a greater supply of nutrients for the colonies. Besides, defining the floral origin of honeys contributes to their characterization and commercialization. The objective of our work was to identify the plants that provide nectar to the bees Apis mellifera and Tetragonisca fiebrigi in northern Misiones, through palynological analysis of honey samples collected between 2006 and 2008. Both bees showed a polylectic foraging habit. Richness of pollen types per sample ranged between 10 and 34 (mean = 20.5 ± 7.7) for A. mellifera, and between 13 and 43 (mean = 24.8 ± 7.1) for T. fiebrigi. The 15 most abundant pollen types in the honeys of A. mellifera were, in decreasing order of importance, Euphorbiaceae, Euterpe edulis, Holocalyx balansae, Calyptranthes concinna-type, Actinostemon, Salix, Ruprechtia laxiflora, Myrcianthes pungens-type, Thinouia mucronata, Allophylus edulis, Ilex, Syagrus romanzoffiana, Gouania latifolia-type, Parapiptadenia rigida, and Baccharis-type, whereas in the honeys of T. fiebrigi the most important pollen types included S.
Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, Jan 11, 2018
The order Hymenoptera comprises melliferous insects (bees, wasps and bumblebees); among them, sti... more The order Hymenoptera comprises melliferous insects (bees, wasps and bumblebees); among them, stingless bees comprise a diverse group of eusocial insects present in tropical and subtropical areas. Of a total of approximately 500 species, 400 are found in the Neotropics. On the continent of America, before the introduction of Apis mellifera, these insects represented the main source of honey and wax. In Argentina, ethnobiological investigations had been carried out on this group of insects, principally in the Atlantic Forest and Chaco regions. Out of a total of 33 species, only 14 were recorded for use or breeding. In the Yungas, however, there are no ethnobiological studies analyzing this group of species, although the use of their products is mentioned in different ethnobotanical works. This paper studies the knowledge and uses of melliferous insects by the inhabitants of the village of Baritú and surrounding. Information on location, management and duties assigned (e.g., preparati...
Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 2018
Background: The order Hymenoptera comprises melliferous insects (bees, wasps and bumblebees); amo... more Background: The order Hymenoptera comprises melliferous insects (bees, wasps and bumblebees); among them, stingless bees comprise a diverse group of eusocial insects present in tropical and subtropical areas. Of a total of approximately 500 species, 400 are found in the Neotropics. On the continent of America, before the introduction of Apis
mellifera, these insects represented the main source of honey and wax. In Argentina, ethnobiological investigations had been carried out on this group of insects, principally in the Atlantic Forest and Chaco regions. Out of a total of 33 species, only 14 were recorded for use or breeding. In the Yungas, however, there are no ethnobiological studies analyzing this group of species, although the use of their products is mentioned in different ethnobotanical works. This paper studies the knowledge and uses of melliferous insects by the inhabitants of the village of Baritú and surrounding.
Method: Information on location,management and duties assigned (e.g., preparation and administration) to deal with bee products like honey, pollen, wax and propolis was obtained through semi-structured interviews. Besides, reference material was collected to identify melliferous insects known and used in the region.
Results: Fifteen ethnospecies were identified and grouped locally according to their defensive behavior. The culturally most important species is the stingless bee Plebeia sp. nov.—mansita-, in terms of frequency of citations and diversity of uses, and among those that sting, the honeybee Apis mellifera—extranjera-. Honey, pollen, wax, and propolis of Plebeia sp. nov. had the highest current frequency of use. Honey is used in food (incorporated at pure state, as a complement and in drinks), as nutraceutical food and in medicinal preparations. In addition, it is an important resource for marketing during the warm season, infusions being the main mode of administration. Pollen is used as a supplement for food and alcoholic drinks, wax mainly in candle making, and propolis.
Conclusion: The data obtained in this study complements the information available in ethnobotanical studies carried out in the region. The present study is the first on melliferous insects in the area. A new species of stingless bee the genus Plebeia was registered, and it was observed that the known distribution of others has increased.
Resumen Con la finalidad de conocer los recursos tróficos utilizados por Plebeia intermedia, una ... more Resumen
Con la finalidad de conocer los recursos tróficos utilizados por Plebeia intermedia, una melipona de uso frecuente en la localidad de Baritú (22° 28’ 54,1” S; 64° 45’ 39,4” O; 1546 msnm), se efectuó el análisis polínico de diez muestras de miel colectadas en septiembre y octubre de 2011 y enero de 2012. Los exámenes cualitativos revelaron una cierta especialización de estas abejas por utilizar plantas nativas, de hábito arbóreo y con flores reunidas en inflorescencias abundantes (floraciones en masa). Los tipos polínicos dominantes presentes en las mieles monoflorales corresponden a las especies arbóreas Allophylus edulis (Sapindaceae), Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Myrtaceae) y Myrcianthes pseudomato (Myrtaceae), seguidos por Handroanthus ochraceus (Bignoniaceae), Ilex argentina (Aquifoliaceae), Parapiptadenia excelsa (Leguminosae) y Sambucus peruviana (Adoxaceae). Otros tipos polínicos observados en las muestras, con clases de frecuencia de menor importancia o secundario, fueron Eupatorium (Compositae), Senecio (Compositae), Paullinia (Sapindaceae) y pólenes de las familias Boraginaceae y Rhamnaceae. Los análisis efectuados en las mieles de Plebeia intermedia y los resultados obtenidos en este estudio, constituyen los primeros datos sobre los recursos tróficos utilizados por esta especie de melipona en el período primavera - verano.
Palabras clave: Melisopalinología, meliponas, flora melífera, Yungas.
Summary
Trophic resources used by Plebeia intermedia in the locality of Baritú, Salta, Argentina. Botanical characterization of its honeys. With the purpose of knowing the trophic resources used by Plebeia intermedia, a stingless bee of frequent use in Baritú locality (22° 28’ 54.1” S; 64° 45’ 39.4” W; at 1546 masl), ten honey samples were melissopalynologically analyzed, collected in September and October of 2011 and in January of 2012. The qualitative examinations showed a certain specialization of these bees for using native and arboreal plants, and with flowers clustered in dense inflorescences (mass flowering). The dominant pollen types that originated monofloral honeys were Allophylus edulis (Sapindaceae), Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Myrtaceae) and Myrcianthes pseudomato (Myrtaceae), followed by Handroanthus ochraceus (Bignoniaceae), Ilex argentina (Aquifoliaceae), Parapiptadenia excelsa (Leguminosae) and Sambucus peruviana (Adoxaceae). Other pollen types observed in the samples, with frequency classes important minor or secondary, were Eupatorium (Compositae), Senecio (Compositae), Paullinia (Sapindaceae) and pollens of the families Boraginaceae and Rhamnaceae. The realized examinations in the honeys of Plebeia intermedia and results obtained in this study, constitute the first data on the trophic resources used by this species of stingless bee in the period spring - summer.
Keywords: Melissopalynology, stingless bees, melliferous flora, Yungas.
We studied the airborne pollen content during the spring of 2007 in the San Salvador de Jujuy cit... more We studied the airborne pollen content during the spring of 2007 in the San Salvador de Jujuy city with the aim to record the qualitative composition, describe the weekly percentual variation of capture pollen, and the evaluation of the representativity of the regional native flora and presence of allergenic pollen. The sampling was carried out with a gravimetric Durham trap, with a weekly change of the samples. We identified 36 pollen types of which 17 belong to the exotic vegetation, 14 to the native vegetation from the Yungas forest and 5 of indefinite origin. The report shows that, during the sampled period, the airborne pollen content is influenced by the urban vegetation as also the significant contribution of arboreal plants from the native Yungas forest, such as Alnus acuminata, Juglans australis, Celtis sp., Anadenanthera colubrina, among others, while at the end of season the herbaceous pollen are predominant, mainly Amaranthaceae-Chenopodiaceae and Urticaceae. Of the total of pollen types registered, 16 are identified to have allergenic potential; they belong to exotic species present in the urban trees, such as Morus sp., Cupressus sp., Populus sp., Platanus acerifolia, among others, and Celtis sp. of the native flora. The obtained result represents the first aeropalynological study for the San Salvador de Jujuy city.
First results of botanical characterization of honeys produced by Tetragonisca angustula (Apidae,... more First results of botanical characterization of honeys produced by Tetragonisca angustula (Apidae, Meliponinae) in Los Naranjos, Salta, Argentina. The melissopalynological analysis was performed on ten honeys samples of Tetragonisca angustula Latreille breeding in the locality Los Naranjos (S 23°07' 19,2"; W 64°40' 32,6"), Salta, Argentina. We found a whole of 49 pollen types. In the honey monofloral, the dominant types corresponded to: Anadenanthera colubrina, Baccharis, Citrus sp., native Myrtaceae and a type undetermined (type 6). The remaining samples were multifloral. 62% of pollen types corresponding to representatives of the Yungas mountain forest; types like Anadenanthera colubrina, Bocconia integrifolia, Parapiptadenia excelsa, Phyllostylon rhamnoides, Sapium haematospermum, type Myrsine and a set of native Myrtaceae, which constitute the first appointment as nectar sources for T. angustula. Also identified pollen from plants typical of anthropogenic environments such as Carica papaya, Citrus sp., Eucalyptus sp., Leonurus sibiricus, among others. These results provide a first approximation to the knowledge of the flora used by T. angustula and geographic origin of their honey, establishing the first record of mountain forest of Yungas.