Physicochemical properties of Tetragonisca angustula Latreille, 1811 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) honeys in urban and forest areas

Abstract

The Jataí bee Tetragonisca angustula Latreille, 1811 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) is a meliponine belonging to the Meliponini tribe. It is a generalist bee in obtaining resources, has clean collection habits and high productive potential. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties of Jataí bee honeys produced in native forest environments and in urban areas, using the Internal Regulatory Standard for Stingless Bee Honey in the State of Santa Catarina as a reference for qualitative parameters. The honey used for the analyses was collected at the beginning of the 2024/2025 productive harvest, on October 7, 2025, and came from early spring flowering. Collections were only made from colonies that showed surplus honey production in the honey supers and containing capped honey pots, signaling their point of maturation. Colonies in native forest areas presented honey suitable for consumption, while in colonies in urban environments, the reducing sugars did not meet the minimum limit of 45 g/100 g, presenting 38.1 g/100 g.