In May 2025, a rare stingless bee species, Melipona nigrescens, was discovered in the San Sebastián de Palmitas district, a rural area west of Medellín, Colombia. This marks the first recorded sighting of this species within the city's territory.
The discovery occurred during an environmental monitoring expedition conducted by biologists and environmental stewards from the Secretary of the Environment. The team was working in one of the reserves under the care of the District Administration.
Melipona nigrescens is a specialized bee that nests exclusively in large trees and feeds solely on native flora. This makes it an important bioindicator of ecosystem health. Its presence suggests well-preserved mountain ecosystems in the district. The bee plays a crucial role in environmental balance by pollinating various plant species. While its dark body might resemble the African bee, Melipona nigrescens is harmless and selective in its habitat.