What do we know about Neotropical trap-nesting bees? Synopsis about their nest biology and taxonomy

Cavity-nesting bees are enigmatic because they are difficult to observe in the wild, hence trap-nests (man-made cavities) provide the means by which these bees may be studied. Trap-nests is an efficient methodology to study these bees and are common worldwide. These traps have been used for a variety of reasons, including inventories, to examine pollen load, to study habitat disturbance, and bee conservation. However Neotropical trap-nesting bees’ taxonomy and biology are still poorly known and here we provide a review about these subjects. We searched for trap-nest bee studies in the Neotropical Region using Google Scholar and ISI Web of Science at any time in the past to December 2017. We found 109 independent studies, most of which were from Brazil (87 studies), followed by Argentina (10 studies), and other countries had fewer than five studies each. A total of 140 species, 24 genera, 10 tribes and three subfamilies were reported in trap-nests. Nest architecture was described for only 49 species. Taxonomy is only well-known for 14 genera, somewhat known for seven and is essentially unavailable for three genera. Construction material, closing plug and cell shape are similar among species in the same tribes and genera. Vestibular and intercalary cells, and the preliminary plug are variable, even at the specific level. Apinae is the most studied group with available data for all genera recorded in trap-nests. Colletinae is the least-studied group and nothing is known for their nesting biology. Megachilinae is intermediate, with some studies of taxonomy and nesting. We suggest that further trap-nest studies should provide more detailed information on nest architecture and construction materials, including explicit mention of structures that are absent. All Neotropical bees need more taxonomic studies, but some, such as Hylaeus and Megachile, require more attention since Hylaeus is essentially unknown and Megachile is very common on trap-nests.

What do we know about Neotropical trap-nesting bees? Synopsis about their nest biology and taxonomy

Cavity-nesting bees are enigmatic because they are difficult to observe in the wild, hence trap-nests (man-made cavities) provide the means by which these bees may be studied. Trap-nests is an efficient methodology to study these bees and are common worldwide. These traps have been used for a variety of reasons, including inventories, to examine pollen load, to study habitat disturbance, and bee conservation. However Neotropical trap-nesting bees taxonomy and biology are still poorly known and here we provide a review about these subjects. We searched for trap-nest bee studies in the Neotropical Region using Google Scholar and ISI Web of Science at any time in the past to December 2017. We found 109 independent studies, most of which were from Brazil (87 studies), followed by Argentina (10 studies), and other countries had fewer than five studies each. A total of 140 species, 24 genera, 10 tribes and three subfamilies were reported in trap-nests. Nest architecture was described for only 49 species. Taxonomy is only well-known for 14 genera, somewhat known for seven and is essentially unavailable for three genera. Construction material, closing plug and cell shape are similar among species in the same tribes and genera. Vestibular and intercalary cells, and the preliminary plug are variable, even at the specific level. Apinae is the most studied group with available data for all genera recorded in trap-nests. Colletinae is the least-studied group and nothing is known for their nesting biology. Megachilinae is intermediate, with some studies of taxonomy and nesting. We suggest that further trap-nest studies should provide more detailed information on nest architecture and construction materials, including explicit mention of structures that are absent. All Neotropical bees need more taxonomic studies, but some, such as Hylaeus and Megachile, require more attention since Hylaeus is essentially unknown and Megachile is very common on trap-nests.(AU)

Abelhas (Hymenoptera, Apidae sensu lato) do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

ABSTRACT In this paper a current list of the bee species from Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil is presented and available in the online database of collections and reported in the literature, besides own collections held in different localities in the state, encompassing different vegetation types. The total number of bee species recorded for Mato Grosso do Sul, including morphospecies, is 386 species, distributed in 107 genera and five subfamilies. The most diverse subfamily is Apinae, followed by Megachilinae, Halictinae, Colletinae and Andreninae. We added new distribution records of 97 species of bees to Mato Grosso do Sul.

RESUMO Apresentamos aqui a lista de espécies de abelhas registradas para o estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, disponíveis em banco de dados de Coleções Científicas e registradas na literatura, além de coletas próprias realizadas em várias localidades no estado, englobando diferentes fitofisionomias. O total de espécies de abelhas registradas para Mato Grosso do Sul é de 386 espécies, incluindo morfoespécies, distribuídas em 107 gêneros e cinco subfamílias. A subfamília mais diversa é Apinae, seguida de Megachilinae, Halictinae, Colletinae e Andreninae. Acrescentamos para o Mato Grosso do Sul novos registros de distribuição de 97 espécies de abelhas.

Abelhas (Hymenoptera, Apidae sensu lato) do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil / Checklist of bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae sensu lato) from Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil

In this paper a current list of the bee species from Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil is presented and available in the online database of collections and reported in the literature, besides own collections held in different localities in the state, encompassing different vegetation types. The total number of bee species recorded for Mato Grosso do Sul, including morphospecies, is 386 species, distributed in 107 genera and five subfamilies. The most diverse subfamily is Apinae, followed by Megachilinae, Halictinae, Colletinae and Andreninae. We added new distribution records of 97 species of bees to Mato Grosso do Sul.(AU)

Apresentamos aqui a lista de espécies de abelhas registradas para o estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, disponíveis em banco de dados de Coleções Científicas e registradas na literatura, além de coletas próprias realizadas em várias localidades no estado, englobando diferentes fitofisionomias. O total de espécies de abelhas registradas para Mato Grosso do Sul é de 386 espécies, incluindo morfoespécies, distribuídas em 107 gêneros e cinco subfamílias. A subfamília mais diversa é Apinae, seguida de Megachilinae, Halictinae, Colletinae e Andreninae. Acrescentamos para o Mato Grosso do Sul novos registros de distribuição de 97 espécies de abelhas.(AU)

Abelhas (Hymenoptera, Apidae sensu lato) do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil / Checklist of bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae sensu lato) from Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil

In this paper a current list of the bee species from Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil is presented and available in the online database of collections and reported in the literature, besides own collections held in different localities in the state, encompassing different vegetation types. The total number of bee species recorded for Mato Grosso do Sul, including morphospecies, is 386 species, distributed in 107 genera and five subfamilies. The most diverse subfamily is Apinae, followed by Megachilinae, Halictinae, Colletinae and Andreninae. We added new distribution records of 97 species of bees to Mato Grosso do Sul.

Apresentamos aqui a lista de espécies de abelhas registradas para o estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, disponíveis em banco de dados de Coleções Científicas e registradas na literatura, além de coletas próprias realizadas em várias localidades no estado, englobando diferentes fitofisionomias. O total de espécies de abelhas registradas para Mato Grosso do Sul é de 386 espécies, incluindo morfoespécies, distribuídas em 107 gêneros e cinco subfamílias. A subfamília mais diversa é Apinae, seguida de Megachilinae, Halictinae, Colletinae e Andreninae. Acrescentamos para o Mato Grosso do Sul novos registros de distribuição de 97 espécies de abelhas.

Type specimens of bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae) deposited in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil

The present catalogue lists the bee types (Hymenoptera, Apidae s.l.) deposited in the Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil (MZSP). The Hymenoptera collection of the MZSP is one of the most important collections for the Brazilian and Neotropical faunas, holding relatively large number of types and represented taxa. The Apidae collection includes a total of 473 type-specimens (101 holotypes, 30 lectotypes, 190 paratypes, 34 paralectotypes, and 119 syntypes) that represent 257 species currently classified in 88 genera, 22 tribes, and five subfamilies (Andreninae, Apinae, Colletinae, Halictinae, and Megachilinae). Label data and additional information from the MZSP registers, literature sources, and taxonomic remarks are given, including high-resolution photographs of holotypes and lectotypes available through links to Specimage (image database of The Ohio State University).

O presente catálogo apresenta uma lista dos espécimes tipo de abelhas (Hymenoptera, Apidae s.l.) depositados no Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil (MZSP). A coleção de Hymenoptera do MZSP representa uma das mais importantes coleções para a fauna brasileira e Neotropical, incluindo um número relativamente grande de tipos e táxons representados. A coleção de Apidae abriga um total de 473 espécimes-tipo (101 holótipos, 30 lectótipos, 190 parátipos, 34 paralectótipos e 119 síntipos) pertencentes a 257 espécies classificadas em 88 gêneros, 22 tribos e cinco subfamílias (Andreninae, Apinae, Colletinae, Halictinae, e Megachilinae). São apresentadas as informações das etiquetas, informações adicionais a partir dos registros do MZSP e da literatura publicada, e cometários taxônomicos. Fotografias em alta resolução dos holótipos e lectótipos estão disponibilizadas digitalmente através de links para o Specimage (banco de dados de imagens da Ohio State University).

Type specimens of bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae) deposited in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil

The present catalogue lists the bee types (Hymenoptera, Apidae s.l.) deposited in the Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil (MZSP). The Hymenoptera collection of the MZSP is one of the most important collections for the Brazilian and Neotropical faunas, holding relatively large number of types and represented taxa. The Apidae collection includes a total of 473 type-specimens (101 holotypes, 30 lectotypes, 190 paratypes, 34 paralectotypes, and 119 syntypes) that represent 257 species currently classified in 88 genera, 22 tribes, and five subfamilies (Andreninae, Apinae, Colletinae, Halictinae, and Megachilinae). Label data and additional information from the MZSP registers, literature sources, and taxonomic remarks are given, including high-resolution photographs of holotypes and lectotypes available through links to Specimage (image database of The Ohio State University).(AU)

O presente catálogo apresenta uma lista dos espécimes tipo de abelhas (Hymenoptera, Apidae s.l.) depositados no Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil (MZSP). A coleção de Hymenoptera do MZSP representa uma das mais importantes coleções para a fauna brasileira e Neotropical, incluindo um número relativamente grande de tipos e táxons representados. A coleção de Apidae abriga um total de 473 espécimes-tipo (101 holótipos, 30 lectótipos, 190 parátipos, 34 paralectótipos e 119 síntipos) pertencentes a 257 espécies classificadas em 88 gêneros, 22 tribos e cinco subfamílias (Andreninae, Apinae, Colletinae, Halictinae, e Megachilinae). São apresentadas as informações das etiquetas, informações adicionais a partir dos registros do MZSP e da literatura publicada, e cometários taxônomicos. Fotografias em alta resolução dos holótipos e lectótipos estão disponibilizadas digitalmente através de links para o Specimage (banco de dados de imagens da Ohio State University).(AU)

The orchid bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Euglossina) in a forest fragment from western Paraná state, Brazil

An orchid bee inventory was carried out in Parque Estadual São Camilo, Palotina, Paraná (Brazil); conservation unit with about 400 hectares of Semidecidual Seasonal forest. Three bait traps were installed at the border of the fragment, each one containing the following fragrances: 1,8-cineole, eugenol, and vanilin. Sampling was carried out from 09am to 03pm, October 2011 to June 2012, summing up nine sampling days. A total of 186 specimens distributed among seven species were sampled. Eufriesea violacea with 140 specimens was the most common species, followed by Euglossa fimbriata (31), Euglossa annectans (9), Eulaema nigrita (4), Euglossa cordata (1), Euglossa pleosticta (1), and Exaerete smaragdina (1). According to qualitative and NMDS analysis, the orchid bee fauna of Parque Estadual São Camilo is representative of Semidecidual Seasonal forest, with richness comparable with other assemblages in the southern distribution of Euglossina. The sampled bee richness indicates that forest fragments, even small and isolated, are important in the conservation of this bees.

Abelhas das orquídeas (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Euglossina) em um fragmento florestal do oeste do Paraná. Um inventário de abelhas das orquídeas foi conduzido no Parque Estadual São Camilo, Palotina, Paraná, uma unidade de conservação de cerca de 400 hectares de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. Três garrafas-armadilha foram instaladas na borda do fragmento, cada uma contendo uma das seguintes essências: 1,8-cineol, eugenol e vanilina. A amostragem foi realizada entre 09 e 15 horas, entre outubro de 2011 e junho de 2012, somando nove dias amostrais. Um total de 186 espécimens distribuídos em sete espécies foram amostrados, Eufriesea violacea com 140 indivíduos foi a mais comum, seguida de Euglossa fimbriata com 31, Euglossa annectans com nove, Eulaema nigrita com quatro, Euglossa cordata, Euglossa pleosticta e Exaerete smaragdina com apenas um indivíduo amostrado cada. De acordo com análise qualitativa e de NMDS a fauna de Euglossina de Parque Estadual São Camilo é representativa de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, com riqueza comparável a outras áreas no sul da distribuição do grupo. A riqueza de espécie amostrada indica que fragmentos florestais, mesmo que pequenos e isolados, são importantes na conservação destas abelhas.

The orchid bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Euglossina) in a forest fragment from western Paraná state, Brazil

An orchid bee inventory was carried out in Parque Estadual São Camilo, Palotina, Paraná (Brazil); conservation unit with about 400 hectares of Semidecidual Seasonal forest. Three bait traps were installed at the border of the fragment, each one containing the following fragrances: 1,8-cineole, eugenol, and vanilin. Sampling was carried out from 09am to 03pm, October 2011 to June 2012, summing up nine sampling days. A total of 186 specimens distributed among seven species were sampled. Eufriesea violacea with 140 specimens was the most common species, followed by Euglossa fimbriata (31), Euglossa annectans (9), Eulaema nigrita (4), Euglossa cordata (1), Euglossa pleosticta (1), and Exaerete smaragdina (1). According to qualitative and NMDS analysis, the orchid bee fauna of Parque Estadual São Camilo is representative of Semidecidual Seasonal forest, with richness comparable with other assemblages in the southern distribution of Euglossina. The sampled bee richness indicates that forest fragments, even small and isolated, are important in the conservation of this bees.(AU)

Abelhas das orquídeas (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Euglossina) em um fragmento florestal do oeste do Paraná. Um inventário de abelhas das orquídeas foi conduzido no Parque Estadual São Camilo, Palotina, Paraná, uma unidade de conservação de cerca de 400 hectares de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. Três garrafas-armadilha foram instaladas na borda do fragmento, cada uma contendo uma das seguintes essências: 1,8-cineol, eugenol e vanilina. A amostragem foi realizada entre 09 e 15 horas, entre outubro de 2011 e junho de 2012, somando nove dias amostrais. Um total de 186 espécimens distribuídos em sete espécies foram amostrados, Eufriesea violacea com 140 indivíduos foi a mais comum, seguida de Euglossa fimbriata com 31, Euglossa annectans com nove, Eulaema nigrita com quatro, Euglossa cordata, Euglossa pleosticta e Exaerete smaragdina com apenas um indivíduo amostrado cada. De acordo com análise qualitativa e de NMDS a fauna de Euglossina de Parque Estadual São Camilo é representativa de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, com riqueza comparável a outras áreas no sul da distribuição do grupo. A riqueza de espécie amostrada indica que fragmentos florestais, mesmo que pequenos e isolados, são importantes na conservação destas abelhas.(AU)

Species of Euglossa of the analis group in the Atlantic forest (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

The species of Euglossa Latreille, 1802 of the analis group inhabiting the Brazilian Atlantic forest are revised and identification keys for males and females are provided. Five species are recognized in the Atlantic forest: Euglossa cognata Moure, 1970, Euglossa marianae Nemésio, 2011, Euglossa roderici Nemésio, 2009 and two new species described here, Euglossa botocuda sp. nov. and Euglossa calycina sp. nov. These two new species have been misidentified by previous authors as Atlantic forest populations of, respectively, Euglossa iopyrrha Dressler, 1982 and Euglossa mixta Friese, 1899. Relevant morphological features are illustrated and distribution maps are also provided. Notes on the analis group are included and an additional available name, Euglossa aureiventris Friese, 1899, is placed in this species group.

Species of Euglossa of the analis group in the Atlantic forest (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

The species of Euglossa Latreille, 1802 of the analis group inhabiting the Brazilian Atlantic forest are revised and identification keys for males and females are provided. Five species are recognized in the Atlantic forest: Euglossa cognata Moure, 1970, Euglossa marianae Nemésio, 2011, Euglossa roderici Nemésio, 2009 and two new species described here, Euglossa botocuda sp. nov. and Euglossa calycina sp. nov. These two new species have been misidentified by previous authors as Atlantic forest populations of, respectively, Euglossa iopyrrha Dressler, 1982 and Euglossa mixta Friese, 1899. Relevant morphological features are illustrated and distribution maps are also provided. Notes on the analis group are included and an additional available name, Euglossa aureiventris Friese, 1899, is placed in this species group.

Species of Euglossa of the analis group in the Atlantic forest (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

The species of Euglossa Latreille, 1802 of the analis group inhabiting the Brazilian Atlantic forest are revised and identification keys for males and females are provided. Five species are recognized in the Atlantic forest: Euglossa cognata Moure, 1970, Euglossa marianae Nemésio, 2011, Euglossa roderici Nemésio, 2009 and two new species described here, Euglossa botocuda sp. nov. and Euglossa calycina sp. nov. These two new species have been misidentified by previous authors as Atlantic forest populations of, respectively, Euglossa iopyrrha Dressler, 1982 and Euglossa mixta Friese, 1899. Relevant morphological features are illustrated and distribution maps are also provided. Notes on the analis group are included and an additional available name, Euglossa aureiventris Friese, 1899, is placed in this species group.

Changes in the size of cephalic salivary glands of Apis mellifera and Scaptotrigona postica (Hymenoptera: Apidae) queens and workers in different life phases

The bee species of the Apinae, in addition to the thoracic salivary glands, possess a pair of cephalic glands originating as branches of the excretory duct that crosses the head. These glands are known as cephalic salivary or labial cephalic glands. The degree of development of these glands in newly emerged, nurse and forager workers and virgin and egg-laying queens of Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758 and Scaptotrigona postica Latreille, 1807 were evaluated by measuring the secretory alveolar units. The area of the secretory alveoli, measured in total gland preparations, was used to evaluate differences in size. In both species, gland size was found to increase progressively from newly emerged workers to foragers and from virgin to egg-laying queens. A statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p 0.05) in the area of gland alveoli of workers in different life phases in both species, and between S. postica virgin and egg-laying queens, but not between A. mellifera queens. In the case of workers, this suggests cephalic salivary gland secretion has a function in forager activity and, in queens, a possible pheromonal function.

Comunidade de abelhas nativas (Apidae) em Floresta Ombrófila Densa Montana em Santa Catarina

This study evaluated the bee community and their associated melliferous plants in the northern region of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil in order to ascertain the diversity and floral interactions of the local Apidae. Twelve samplings were conducted (April 2006 to March 2007) in transects, where nets were used to capture bees directly from their flowers. Voucher specimens for both bees and plants were deposited at UNIVILLE. Diversity and equitability indexes were calculated. Our sampling effort resulted in a total of 934 bees in 72 genera and five families. Forty-four plant species belonging to 19 families were visited. A dominant family in Southern Brazil, Asteraceae, was visited most often (50% of the taxa). Nearly 20% of the plants were visited by only one bee species. Meliponina, Ceratinina and Halictinae were prevalent. The diversity of the apifauna composition (Apinae followed by Halictinae) is typical for southern environments, with few abundant species and many singletons. The variation found for the equitability indexes revealed low intertaxa dominance, diversity oscillation and interspecies relative equilibrium. Values of richness and abundance indicate a transitional distribution pattern (subtropical to temperate). Rare taxa, the presence of new records for the state, and the collector's slope indicate an estimated greater richness.

Comunidade de abelhas nativas (Apidae) em Floresta Ombrófila Densa Montana em Santa Catarina

This study evaluated the bee community and their associated melliferous plants in the northern region of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil in order to ascertain the diversity and floral interactions of the local Apidae. Twelve samplings were conducted (April 2006 to March 2007) in transects, where nets were used to capture bees directly from their flowers. Voucher specimens for both bees and plants were deposited at UNIVILLE. Diversity and equitability indexes were calculated. Our sampling effort resulted in a total of 934 bees in 72 genera and five families. Forty-four plant species belonging to 19 families were visited. A dominant family in Southern Brazil, Asteraceae, was visited most often (50% of the taxa). Nearly 20% of the plants were visited by only one bee species. Meliponina, Ceratinina and Halictinae were prevalent. The diversity of the apifauna composition (Apinae followed by Halictinae) is typical for southern environments, with few abundant species and many singletons. The variation found for the equitability indexes revealed low intertaxa dominance, diversity oscillation and interspecies relative equilibrium. Values of richness and abundance indicate a transitional distribution pattern (subtropical to temperate). Rare taxa, the presence of new records for the state, and the collector's slope indicate an estimated greater richness.

Changes in the size of cephalic salivary glands of Apis mellifera and Scaptotrigona postica (Hymenoptera: Apidae) queens and workers in different life phases

The bee species of the Apinae, in addition to the thoracic salivary glands, possess a pair of cephalic glands originating as branches of the excretory duct that crosses the head. These glands are known as cephalic salivary or labial cephalic glands. The degree of development of these glands in newly emerged, nurse and forager workers and virgin and egg-laying queens of Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758 and Scaptotrigona postica Latreille, 1807 were evaluated by measuring the secretory alveolar units. The area of the secretory alveoli, measured in total gland preparations, was used to evaluate differences in size. In both species, gland size was found to increase progressively from newly emerged workers to foragers and from virgin to egg-laying queens. A statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p 0.05) in the area of gland alveoli of workers in different life phases in both species, and between S. postica virgin and egg-laying queens, but not between A. mellifera queens. In the case of workers, this suggests cephalic salivary gland secretion has a function in forager activity and, in queens, a possible pheromonal function.

Changes in the size of cephalic salivary glands of Apis mellifera and Scaptotrigona postica (Hymenoptera: Apidae) queens and workers in different life phases

The bee species of the Apinae, in addition to the thoracic salivary glands, possess a pair of cephalic glands originating as branches of the excretory duct that crosses the head. These glands are known as cephalic salivary or labial cephalic glands. The degree of development of these glands in newly emerged, nurse and forager workers and virgin and egg-laying queens of Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758 and Scaptotrigona postica Latreille, 1807 were evaluated by measuring the secretory alveolar units. The area of the secretory alveoli, measured in total gland preparations, was used to evaluate differences in size. In both species, gland size was found to increase progressively from newly emerged workers to foragers and from virgin to egg-laying queens. A statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p 0.05) in the area of gland alveoli of workers in different life phases in both species, and between S. postica virgin and egg-laying queens, but not between A. mellifera queens. In the case of workers, this suggests cephalic salivary gland secretion has a function in forager activity and, in queens, a possible pheromonal function.

Comunidade de abelhas nativas (Apidae) em Floresta Ombrófila Densa Montana em Santa Catarina

This study evaluated the bee community and their associated melliferous plants in the northern region of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil in order to ascertain the diversity and floral interactions of the local Apidae. Twelve samplings were conducted (April 2006 to March 2007) in transects, where nets were used to capture bees directly from their flowers. Voucher specimens for both bees and plants were deposited at UNIVILLE. Diversity and equitability indexes were calculated. Our sampling effort resulted in a total of 934 bees in 72 genera and five families. Forty-four plant species belonging to 19 families were visited. A dominant family in Southern Brazil, Asteraceae, was visited most often (50% of the taxa). Nearly 20% of the plants were visited by only one bee species. Meliponina, Ceratinina and Halictinae were prevalent. The diversity of the apifauna composition (Apinae followed by Halictinae) is typical for southern environments, with few abundant species and many singletons. The variation found for the equitability indexes revealed low intertaxa dominance, diversity oscillation and interspecies relative equilibrium. Values of richness and abundance indicate a transitional distribution pattern (subtropical to temperate). Rare taxa, the presence of new records for the state, and the collector's slope indicate an estimated greater richness.

Foraging behavior of Melipona rufiventris Lepeletier (Apinae; Meliponini) in Ubatuba, SP, Brazil

This study describes how the foraging activity of Melipona rufiventris is influenced by the environment and/or by the state of a colony. Two colonies were studied in Ubatuba, SP (44° 48 W and 23° 22 S) from July/2000 to June/2001. These colonies were classified as strong (Colony 1) and intermediate (Colony 2) according to their general conditions: population and brood comb size and number of food pots. The bees were active from dawn to dusk. The number of pollen loads presented a positive correlation with relative humidity (r s = 0.401; p 0.01) and was highest between 70 and 90%. However, it was negatively correlated with temperature (r s = -0.228; p 0.01) showing a peak between 18 and 23 °C. The number of nectar loads presented a positive correlation with temperature (r s = 0.244; p 0.01) and light intensity (r s = 0.414; p 0.01); it was greater between 50 and 90% of relative humidity and 20 and 30 °C of temperature. They collected more nectar than pollen throughout the day, and were more active between 6 and 9 hours. Workers from Colony 1 (strong) collected nectar in greater amounts and earlier than those from Colony 2 (intermediate). The number of pollen, nectar and resin loads varied considerably between the study days. Peaks of pollen collection occurred earlier in months with longer days and in a hotter and more humid climate. The foraging behavior of M. rufiventris is probably affected by the state of the colony and by environmental conditions, notably temperature, relative humidity, light intensity and length of the day.

Este estudo descreve como a atividade de forrageamento de Melipona rufiventris é influenciada pelo ambiente e/ou pelo estado da colônia. Duas colônias foram estudadas em Ubatuba, SP (44° 48 W and 23° 22 S), de julho de 2000 a junho de 2001. Estas colônias foram classificadas como forte (Colônia 1) e intermediária (Colônia 2), de acordo com as condições gerais das mesmas: tamanho da população e dos favos de cria e número de potes de alimento. As abelhas foram ativas do amanhecer ao anoitecer. O número de cargas de pólen apresentou correlação positiva com a umidade relativa (r s = 0,401; p 0,01) e foi maior entre 70 e 90%. Entretanto, foi negativamente relacionado com a temperatura (r s = -0,228; p 0,01), com pico entre 18 e 23 °C. O número de cargas de néctar apresentou correlação positiva com a temperatura (r s = 0,224; p 0,01) e com a intensidade luminosa (r s = 0,414; p 0,01); sendo maior entre 50 e 90% de umidade relativa e entre 20 e 30 °C de temperatura. Elas coletaram mais néctar do que pólen ao longo do dia, sendo mais ativas entre 6 e 9 hours. A Colônia 1 (forte) coletou néctar em maiores quantidades e mais cedo que a colônia 2 (intermediária). O número de cargas de pólen, néctar e resina coletadas variou consideravelmente entre os dias de estudo. Os picos de coleta de pólen ocorreram mais cedo nos meses com dias mais longos e com clima mais quente e úmido. O comportamento de forrageio de M. rufiventris é provavelmente afetado pelo estado da colônia e por condições ambientais como temperatura, umidade relativa, intensidade luminosa e comprimento do dia.

Abelhas africanizadas Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier, 1836 (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Apinae) exploram recursos na floresta amazônica?

The African honeybees (Apis mellifera scutellata) were introduced accidentally to Brazil in 1956 where it subsequently interbred with other subspecies of European honeybee here introduced in the 19th century. This resulted in hybrids with predominantly African honeybee characteristics, such as higher capacity of swarming and survival in inhospitable conditions, allowing them to adapt quickly and expand throughout nearly of the Americas. Moreover, to date there is much controversy about the probable impact of these bees, called Africanized honey bees, on native bees. In the Americas, Africanized honeybees are limited to regions of low altitude and cool winters, and in Brazil they occur principally in urban areas, and open or disturbed vegetation, not occurring in the interior of dense forest such as the Amazon Forest. We offered various kinds of bait in the interior of continuous forest, and in forest fragments to verify if Africanized honeybees would be capable of penetrate in it. No Africanized honeybee workers visited any baits in continuous forest or in forest fragments, but they did so in deforested/open areas. This result indicates that there is no possibility of source competition between Africanized and native bees within Amazon forest, and also indicates that large-scale beekeeping is unlikely to succeed in this region, because forest is not explored by Africanized bees.

As abelhas africanas (Apis mellifera scutellata) foram trazidas para o Brasil na década de 1950 e, por acidente, cruzaram-se com outras subespécies de abelhas melíferas européias introduzidas no século XIX. Isso proporcionou o surgimento de híbridos com características predominantes das abelhas africanas, tais como rusticidade e maior capacidade de enxamear, o que lhes permitiu uma rápida adaptação e expansão por quase todo continente americano. Até hoje existem controvérsias se essas abelhas, denominadas africanizadas, causam algum impacto sobre a fauna de abelhas nativas. Nas Américas, as africanizadas estão restritas a regiões de baixas altitudes e de invernos amenos; no Brasil, ocorrem principalmente em áreas urbanas e formações vegetacionais abertas ou adulteradas, sendo dificilmente vistas ou coletadas no interior de florestas densas como a amazônica. Diante dessa observação, diversas iscas foram disponibilizadas no interior de fragmentos de florestas e de florestas contínuas na Amazônia central, para testar se operárias de abelhas africanizadas seriam capazes de penetrar nos mesmos. Nenhuma operária foi vista visitando as iscas na floresta contínua ou mesmo nos fragmentos de floresta, ocorrendo visitas somente nas áreas desmatadas e capoeiras próximas. Esse resultado, além de indicar a inexistência de competição por recursos com as abelhas nativas no interior da floresta amazônica, também indica que uma apicultura em grande escala na região seria inviável, uma vez que a floresta não é sequer visitada por essas abelhas.