DIVERSITY OF DIURNAL BEES (HYMENOPTERA: APOIDEA: ANTHOPHILA) IN THE CITY OF MONTERÍA, CÓRDOBA, COLOMBIA.

Bees are a key component of ecosystems in the Neotropics, acting as the primary pollinators of angiosperms in general. Landscape transformation due to anthropogenic pressures, particularly urbanisation, is often the main factor influencing the vulnerability of Apoidea communities. This study assessed the diversity of diurnal bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila) in the city of Montería, Córdoba, taking into account the heterogeneity of the urban landscape. Sampling was carried out between June 2025 and January 2026 at eight representative sites, using active capture with an entomological net and traps baited with eucalyptol. Specimens were identified to the morphospecies level and analysed using Hill’s indices to estimate richness, evenness and dominance, supplemented by rarity curves and dissimilarity analyses. A total of 423 individuals belonging to 17 morphospecies were recorded. The family Apidae largely dominated the community, with the genera Trigona, Tetragonisca and the exotic species Apis mellifera—present at all sites—standing out. Richness varied between sites, with higher values in areas with greater vegetation cover and lower values in areas with greater human intervention. The communities were structured by a few dominant species and several rare species. The composition showed clear spatial differentiation between localities, indicating a shift in species associated with variation in vegetation cover and the availability of floral resources. Generalist species predominated, whilst specialist species had restricted distributions. These results indicate that Montería is home to active but partially homogenised bee communities, where urban environmental heterogeneity allows for the persistence of distinct assemblages. Green spaces are vital for maintaining the diversity of Apidae, and it is therefore recommended that the supply of flowers in Montería’s public areas be increased.