Efeitos da suplementação alimentar em colônias filhas de abelhas uruçu amarela (melipona rufiventris)

The present study investigates the effects of dietary supplementation on colonies of Yellow Uruçu bees (Melipona rufiventris), a species native to Brazil with significant ecological and economic relevance. Faced with frequent environmental changes and the scarcity of natural resources, the appropriate management of these colonies becomes essential for the maintenance of meliponiculture and the conservation of biodiversity. The experiment was conducted in a fragment of Atlantic Forest at the Federal Institute of Minas Gerais (Campus São João Evangelista), using a solution of water and sugar (1:1) offered at three different weekly frequencies (0, 1 and 2 times). Parameters such as colony development, presence of queen, number of bees, disc size, amount of food reserve, wax quality and box maintenance were evaluated. The parameters were evaluated qualitatively in order to cause the least possible impact on the colonies. The results indicated that supplementation carried out once a week promoted a more consistent development of colonies, without the adverse effects observed at a higher frequency. It is concluded that supplementary feeding is an effective strategy for the multiplication and maintenance of M. rufiventris colonies, especially in periods of high rainfall. This study provides relevant support for sustainable management practices in meliponiculture.