Integrated Knowledge Systems: Ethnotaxonomy and Alpha Taxonomy of Stingless Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) in an Amazon-Cerrado Ecotone in Northern Brazil

The articulation between traditional knowledge and scientific understanding has proven essential for the study and conservation of biodiversity, particularly in regions with high biological and cultural diversity. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of stingless bees in the municipality of Araguaína, Tocantins, Brazil, located in an ecotone between the Cerrado and Amazon biomes, through the integration of ethnotaxonomy and alpha taxonomy. We hypothesized that combining these knowledge systems enhances the accuracy and scope of biological inventories. A mixed qualitative and quantitative approach was adopted, with sampling conducted in both natural habitats and meliponiculture systems using scent traps, entomological nets, and collections in managed hives. A total of 103 specimens were collected, distributed across 30 species and 14 genera, surpassing previously recorded diversity for the region. Empirical identification by stingless bee beekeepers – based on morphological traits, behavioral patterns, and nest entrance structures – achieved 61.1% accuracy when compared to formal taxonomic identification. This correspondence highlights the value of traditional knowledge in species classification. The presence of species associated with distinct environments reflects the influence of ecological heterogeneity in the ecotone on faunal composition. The results support the initial hypothesis and demonstrate that the integrated approach offers a more comprehensive view of local biodiversity. Additionally, the findings contribute to sustainable management practices and conservation strategies, reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary and participatory approaches to pollinator preservation.