The stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides carries plant pathogenic fungi

Stingless bees (Meliponini) are key pollinators in natural and agricultural ecosystems. This study examined fungi associated with Melipona quadrifasciata workers in Brazil. Fungal DNA from isolates recovered from bee bodies was sequenced, revealing 15 isolates belonging to nine genera. Cladosporium was the most representative, followed by Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Talaromyces. According to FUNGuild, four genera are known as plant pathogens, suggesting bees may serve as vectors of phytopathogenic fungi. Several fungal taxa are reported for the first time in this bee species. These findings add to the knowledge of bee-fungus interactions and highlight the need for biosecurity measures, prompting further research on bee-mediated fungal transmission.