The microbiota of stingless bees: adaptive advantages in their development, feeding, and protection

Abstract

The review discuss how microbial metabolism in stingless bees contributes to their survival. Eight specific functions that support the survival of stingless bees were identified: (1) nutrient assimilation in larvae; (2) assimilation of nutrients in imagoes; (3) hormone synthesis; (4) food production; (5) food preservation; (6) resistance and resilience to pollution; (7) resistance to detriment of floral diversity; and (8) protection against pathogens. These specific functions are grouped within two general processes: (a) bee development and nutrition, and (b) colony protection. Elucidating the functions of the microbiota in stingless bees can optimize strategies to enhance their resilience against climate change, global warming, and ecosystem degradation. However, it is important to point out that in general the microbiota associated with stingless bees has been scarcely explored as a genetic reservoir of microorganisms with biotechnological potential.