Exotic and predatory: a spider (Araneae: Salticidae) that preys on native stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Meliponini) in Brazil

Abstract

Pollination is a fundamental ecosystem service for the natural balance. Bees are the main biological agents for carrying out this service. It is known that the excessive simplification process of the landscape through anthropic action hinders the establishment of more sensitive species and favors generalist, exotic and invasive species. Thus, urbanization is a process that threatens native species. Thus, it is essential to understand the impact of this relationship, since it can foster tools that make cities more pleasant environments for pollinators. The aim of this study was to record the predation of a eusocial stingless bee species by an invasive exotic spider. Understanding this relationship is important from an environmental and economic point of view, since the preyed species is a potential pollinator of agricultural crops, and its rational breeding is widespread in Brazil.