Melitopalynological Characterization of Apis mellifera L. (Apidae: Apini) Honey Samples in Northern Puebla State, Mexico

Abstract

Honey samples belonging to Scaptotrigona mexicana Guérin and Apis mellifera L. from 10 localities in northern Puebla State were evaluated by means of melitopalynologic analysis. Pollen from nine plant taxa had values of importance (≥10%): Ageratum houstonianum Mill. (Compositae), Bursera spp. (Burseraceae), Coffea arabica L. (Rubiaceae), Muntingia cf. M. calabura L. (Tiliaceae), Heliocarpus donnell-smithii Rose (Tiliaceae), Miconia argentea DC. (Melastomataceae), Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr. (Myrtaceae), Quercus sp. (Fagaceae) and Vernonia sp. (Compositae). Honey samples of S. mexicana had relatively high numbers of pollen grains per gram and diversity indexes. Both stingless bee and honey bee samples suggested heterogeneous foraging behavior. In addition, high correlation indexes were registered between honey samples of S. mexicana and A. mellifera. Botanical relationships among S. mexicana (PAE: Parsimony Analysis of Endemism) honey samples were established by A. houstonianum, H. donell-smithii, M. argentea and Piper sp.