Variations of structural niche, floristic sources and density of Tetragonisca angustula Latreille 1811 (Apinae, Meliponini) in the dry forest of Huallaga, peruvian Amazon

<p><strong>Background:</strong><em> </em><em>Tetragonisca angustula</em> is a highly adaptable stingless bee in anthropic landscapes, but there are few studies on its trophic relationships and ethology in the Amazon. <strong>Hypothesis and objective</strong>: Unlike other stingless bees, whose nesting density is regulated by territoriality and the availability of food resources, it is inferred that the nest density of <em>T. angustula</em> is limited by the availability of nesting spaces. To demonstrate it, the trophic-structural niche variations of <em>T. angustula</em> colonies were compared in the Seasonal Dry Forest of the Central Huallaga region, Peruvian Amazon. <strong>Methodology:</strong> Between 2019 and 2023, nests of this species were studied in an agroforestry landscape dominated by remnant secondary forest (N) and an urban community (U). The ecological niche amplitude B<sub>i</sub> was estimated from data of nesting frequency by substrate B<sub>1</sub> (rock crevices, trees, concrete, dry mud, plastic, pottery, wooden boxes, ground) and nest distance above or below ground level B<sub>2</sub>. Structural niche overlapping O<sub>ij</sub> was calculated, as well as nest density and foraging range. Flowering patterns of plants visited by the species and changes in the vegetation landscape were assessed. <strong>Results:</strong> Of 23 nests, 30% were found in the field and the remaining 70% in the urban area. Structural nest niche by substrate type and height above ground level showed a greater amplitude in urban (B<sub>U1</sub>=0.62 and B<sub>U2</sub>=0.59, respectively) compared to natural landscapes (B<sub>N1</sub>=0.17 and B<sub>N2</sub>=0.33) with overlaps OU<sub>N1</sub>= 0.00 and OU<sub>N2</sub>=0.83. A higher density and clustering of nests was found in the urban area. Of the 59 morphospecies of bee flora, 48% were trees and 52% shrubs, climbers and herbs; 80% native and 20% exotic, and 80% wild and 20% cultivated, ensuring a floristic supply throughout the year. <strong>Implications</strong>: A new ecological basis for the recovery of landscapes and productive strategies for <em>T. angustula</em> are provided. <strong>Conclusion</strong>: Limiting nesting space is the main factor determining <em>T. angustula</em> density.</p>