Vertical Stratification of Solitary Bees and Wasps in an Urban Forest from the Brazilian Amazon.

Solitary bees and wasps that nest in cavities in tree trunks are important components of terrestrial ecosystems, providing pollination services, and in the case of wasps, the regulation of their prey populations. However, little is known about the vertical strata where bees and wasps build their nests. This is especially the case of urban forest remnants in the Amazon, which is relevant in the context of the global crisis in insect losses. We investigated the existence of vertical stratification in the nesting of solitary bees and wasps in an urban forest in Rio Branco, state of Acre, in the western Brazilian Amazon. We focused on whether wood temperature, ants, and termites are predictors of bee and wasp nesting. We sampled bee and wasp nests in the forest using trap-nests made with wooden blocks containing cavities with three different diameters for twelve months. Trap-nests were installed randomly at three heights in the forest. We collected 145 nests of 25 species, belonging to 11 genera and 6 families. A higher number of nests and species were collected in the upper stratum of the forest, strengthening the hypothesis that there is vertical stratification in the assemblage of solitary bees and wasps. Wood surface temperature and termite attacks on trap-nests were significantly different between strata, which may explain the vertical stratification of bee and wasp assemblages. Considering the importance of these insects for tropical forest ecosystems, the conservation of structurally complex and stratified forests is of paramount importance to maintain the diversity of this insect group.

Taxonomic notes on the primary types of some species of Centris bees described by some entomologists from the Americas (Hymenoptera: Apidae) / Notas taxonômicas sobre os tipos primários de algumas espécies de abelhas do gênero Centris descritas por alguns entomologistas das Américas (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

In this paper are presented notes on the primary types of some species of the oil-collecting bees of the genus Centris Fabricius, 1804 described by Alpheus Packard, Arturo Roig-Alsina, Charles Michener, Flamínio Ruiz, Haroldo Toro, James Crawford, Jesus Santiago Moure, Philip Timberlake, and Roy Snelling. Information on the type status, type locality and depository are provided.(AU)

Neste artigo são apresentadas notas sobre os tipos primários de algumas espécies de abelhas coletoras de óleo do gênero Centris Fabricius, 1804 descritas por Alpheus Packard, Arturo Roig-Alsina, Charles Michener, Flamínio Ruiz, Haroldo Toro, James Crawford, Jesus Santiago Moure, Philip Timberlake e Roy Snelling. São fornecidas informações sobre o status dos tipos, localidade tipo e depositário.(AU)

Disponibilidad y utilización de los recursos poliníferos por Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) en el este de las Yungas de Jujuy (Argentina) / Availability and use of polliniferous resources by Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in the Eastern Yungas of Jujuy (Argentina)

Resumen Introducción: El conocimiento de la riqueza vegetal y la estacionalidad alrededor de los apiarios de Apis mellifera es una herramienta de planificación indispensable para los apicultores. Debe incluir la disponibilidad de recursos, las preferencias alimenticias y el comportamiento de búsqueda de alimento. Dicha información no está disponible para las Yungas argentinas, uno de los ecosistemas forestales más estacionales de América del Sur. Objetivo: Evaluar la disponibilidad de recursos tróficos a través de un calendario de floración y su relación con las cargas de polen de A. mellifera en las Yungas. Métodos: En El Fuerte, Jujuy, recolectamos muestras mensuales de septiembre a marzo (2014-2015 y 2015-2016) utilizando trampas de polen. Utilizamos técnicas estandarizadas para los análisis palinológicos e índices de asociación para el uso de recursos. Las fenofases fueron Inicio de floración, Plena floración y Fin de floración. Resultados: Se identificaron 47 especímenes botánicos a nivel de especie y 9 a nivel de género. En ambos períodos hubo una oferta moderada de flores al inicio de la primavera, representada igualmente por plantas arbustivas y herbáceas, con un pico de floración en noviembre. Posteriormente, hubo una caída en la disponibilidad, con un pico de floración nuevamente al final de la temporada. En cinco especies de plantas hubo una asociación de media a alta entre la especie vegetal disponible y la presencia de ésta en el espectro polínico de la muestra de polen corbicular recolectada (Vachellia aroma, Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Cantinoa sp., Vernonanthura sp. y Zanthoxylum coco). Conclusión: En esta región hay una oferta moderada de flores de plantas arbustivas y herbáceas a principios de la primavera, con un pico de floración en noviembre y al final de la temporada. Solo cinco, de casi 50 especies de plantas, muestran una asociación de disponibilidad y uso por parte de las abejas.

Abstract Introduction: Knowledge of vegetation richness and seasonality around Apis mellifera apiaries is an indispensable planning tool for beekeepers. It must include resource availability, food preferences and foraging behaviour. Such information is unavailable for the Argentinian Yungas, one of the most seasonal forest ecosystems in South America. Objective: To assess the availability of trophic resources through a flowering calendar and its relationship with A. mellifera pollen loads in the Yungas. Methods: In El Fuerte, Jujuy, we collected monthly samples from September to March (2014-2015 and 2015-2016) using pollen traps. We used standardized techniques for palynological analyses, and association indices for resource use. The phenophases were Beginning of flowering, Full flowering, and End of flowering. Results: We identified 47 botanical specimens to species level and 9 only to genus. In both periods there was a moderate supply of flowers at the beginning of spring, represented equally by shrub and herbaceous plants, with peak flowering in November. Subsequently, there was a drop in availability, with peak flowering again at the end of the season. In five plant species, there was a medium to high association between the plant species available and their presence in the pollen spectrum of the corbicular pollen samples collected (Vachellia aroma, Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Cantinoa sp., Vernonanthura sp. And Zanthoxylum coco). Conclusion: In this region, there is a moderate supply of shrub and herbaceous plant flowers at the beginning of spring, with peak flowering in November and at the end of the season. Only five, out of nearly 50 plant species, show an association of availability and use by bees.

Sympatric cleptobiotic stingless bees have species-specific cuticular profiles that resemble their hosts.

Stingless bees are the largest group of eusocial pollinators with diverse natural histories, including obligate cleptobionts (genus Lestrimelitta) that completely abandoned flower visitation to rely on other stingless bees for food and nest materials. Species of Lestrimeliita are thought to specialize upon different host species, and deception through chemical similarity has been proposed as a mechanism to explain this phenomenon. In the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Scaptotrigona pectoralis is a species chemically distinct from, and not preferred as a host by, locally widespread Lestrimeliita niitkib; witnessing attacks on S. pectoralis colonies offered the opportunity to test the sensory deception hypothesis to cletoparasitism. Analysis of cuticular profiles revealed that the Lestrimelitta attacking S. pectoralis differed significantly in odour bouquet to L. niitkib and, in contrast, it resembled that of S. pectoralis. Further analyses, including morphometrics, mtDNA barcoding, and the examination of taxonomic features, confirmed the existence of two sympatric Lestrimelitta species. The results give support to the hypothesis of chemical deception as a cleptobiotic strategy in Lestrimelitta sp. This is the first evidence that sympatric cleptobionts of the same genus select hosts in accordance with species-specific cuticular profiles, with possible consequences for ecological adaptation and the evolution of these remarkable organisms and the community of stingless bee hosts.

Effects of small-scale anthropogenic alterations in Euglossini bees at eastern Amazon forest / Efeitos de alterações antrópicas de pequena escala em abelhas Euglossini na floresta da Amazônia oriental

In this study, through a rapid assessment, we evaluated differences in richness, abundance, species composition and beta diversity of Euglossini bees in preserved areas and areas altered by riverine human populations in the Caxiuanã National Forest (northern Amazon). Our hypotheses were: i) the species richness, diversity, abundance and composition of Euglossini bees differ between the preserved and altered areas because many species are intolerant to small anthropic disturbances; and ii) areas altered by riverine populations have higher values ​​of beta diversity (species dissimilarity between sites) than preserved areas, due to local changes in habitat and increased heterogeneity between sites. We sampled two areas (preserved and altered) and, in each area, four transects were sampled with odorous baits. We used a Student's t test to evaluate differences in richness, abundance, and Shannon-Wiener diversity index. We also evaluated differences in composition and differences in beta diversity between areas. We collected 102 specimens, identified in 18 species and three genera, 63 individuals (61.8% of the total) in preserved areas and 39 individuals (38.2%) in altered areas. Euglossa liopoda (Dressler, 1982) was the most abundant in altered areas and Euglossa imperialis (Cockerell, 1922) the most abundant in preserved areas. Species richness was 2.5 times greater in the transects of preserved areas, and species composition also differed between the sampled areas. In contrast, species abundance did not differ between transects of both areas. Despite our small sample size, this study demonstrated that the richness, composition and beta diversity of Euglossini bees can be potentially affected by local changes in habitat caused by small-scale activities provided by traditional Amazonian groups. Our results indicate the urgency for more comprehensive studies aimed to investigate these relationships.

Neste estudo, por meio de uma avaliação rápida, investigamos diferenças na riqueza, abundância, composição de espécies e diversidade beta de abelhas Euglossini em áreas preservadas e áreas alteradas por populações ribeirinhas na Floresta Nacional de Caxiuanã (norte da Amazônia). Nossas hipóteses foram: i) a riqueza de espécies, diversidade, abundância e composição das abelhas Euglossini diferem entre as áreas preservadas e alteradas, uma vez que muitas espécies são intolerantes a pequenos distúrbios antrópicos; e ii) áreas alteradas por populações ribeirinhas apresentam maiores valores de diversidade beta (dissimilaridade de espécies entre locais) do que áreas preservadas, devido às mudanças locais no habitat e aumento da heterogeneidade entre locais. Amostramos duas áreas (preservadas e alteradas) e, em cada área, foram amostrados quatro transectos com iscas odoríferas. Nós utilizamos testes t de Student, para avaliar diferenças de riqueza, abundância e índice de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener. Também avaliamos as diferenças na composição e as diferenças na diversidade beta entre as áreas. Foram coletados 102 espécimes, em 18 espécies e três gêneros, 63 deles (61,8%) em áreas preservadas e 39 (38,2%) em áreas alteradas. Euglossa liopoda (Dressler, 1982) foi a mais abundante nas áreas alteradas e Euglossa imperialis (Cockerell, 1922) nas áreas preservadas. A riqueza foi 2,5 vezes maior nos transectos de áreas preservadas, e a composição de espécies também diferiu entre as áreas amostradas. Em contraste, a abundância de espécies não foi diferente entre os transectos das duas áreas. Apesar de nosso esforço amostral reduzido, nossos resultados demonstram que a riqueza, composição e diversidade beta das abelhas Euglossini podem potencialmente ser afetadas por mudanças locais no habitat causadas por atividades de pequena escala fornecidas por grupos tradicionais da Amazônia. Esses resultados indicam a urgência por estudos mais extensos no sentido de investigar as relações aqui estudadas.

Descriptions of new gynandromorphs of Xylocopa augusti Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopini) from Argentina

Gynandromorphs are individuals that display both male and female features throughout the body and are rarely found in nature. We document and describe two new gynandromorphs of the large carpenter bee Xylocopa (Neoxylocopa) augusti reared from a trap-nest in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. In addition, based on a literature review, we assessed the frequency of the different types of gynandromorphs, and the body part affected, among large carpenter bees. Both gynandromorphs were assigned to the mixed category, the most common category reported in the literature (22 of 25 specimens). The remaining three specimens exhibit a bilateral pattern in all tagmata. The presence of both sexes' secondary sexual characteristics occurred more frequently on the mesosoma than on the head or metasoma. Trap nests used in bee hotels promote the conservation and study of wild bees and might facilitate the discovery of rare cases of gynandromorphs that would remain unknown otherwise under normal nesting conditions in the wild.(AU)

Stingless bee propolis, metformin, and their combination alleviate diabetic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background and aim: Stingless bee propolis, a resinous compound processed by mandibular secretion of stingless bees, is used for maintenance of hygiene and stability of beehives. Research on stingless bee propolis shows therapeutic properties attributed to polyphenols exhibiting antioxidative, antihyperglycemic and antiischemic effect. However, the cardioprotective effect of stingless bee propolis on diabetic cardiomyopathy is unknown. Methods: Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomised to five groups: normal group, diabetic group, diabetic given metformin (DM+M), diabetic given propolis (DM+P) and diabetic given combination therapy (DM+M+P) and treated for four weeks. Body weight, fasting blood glucose, food and water intake were taken weekly. At the end of experiment, biomarkers of oxidative damage were measured in serum and heart tissue. Antioxidants in heart tissue were quantified. Part of left ventricle of heart was processed for histological staining including Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stain for myocyte size and Masson's Trichrome (MT) stain for heart fibrosis and perivascular fibrosis. Results: Propolis alleviated features of diabetic cardiomyopathy such as myocyte hypertrophy, heart fibrosis and perivascular fibrosis associated with improvement in antioxidative status. Conclusion: This study reports beneficial effect of propolis and combination with metformin in alleviating histopathological feature of diabetic cardiomyopathy by modulating antioxidants, making propolis an emerging complementary therapy.

Tropical bee species abundance differs within a narrow elevational gradient.

Insect pollination is among the most essential ecosystem services for humanity. Globally, bees are the most effective pollinators, and tropical bees are also important for maintaining tropical biodiversity. Despite their invaluable pollination service, basic distributional patterns of tropical bees along elevation gradients are globally scarce. Here, we surveyed bees at 100 m elevation intervals from 800 to 1100 m elevation in Costa Rica to test if bee abundance, community composition and crop visitor assemblages differed by elevation. We found that 18 of 24 bee species spanning three tribes that represented the most abundantly collected bee species showed abundance differences by elevation, even within this narrow elevational gradient. Bee assemblages at the two crop species tested, avocado and squash, showed community dissimilarity between high and low elevations, and elevation was a significant factor in explaining bee community composition along the gradient. Stingless bees (Tribe Meliponini) were important visitors to both crop species, but there was a more diverse assemblage of bees visiting avocado compared to squash. Our findings suggest that successful conservation of tropical montane bee communities and pollination services will require knowledge of which elevations support the highest numbers of each species, rather than species full altitudinal ranges.

Chromosome Evolution in the Genus Partamona (Apidae: Meliponini), with Comments on B Chromosome Origin.

The genus Partamona includes 33 species of stingless bees, of which 11 were studied cytogenetically. The main goal of this study was to propose a hypothesis about chromosomal evolution in Partamona by combining molecular and cytogenetic data. Cytogenetic analyses were performed on 3 Partamona species. In addition, the molecular phylogeny included mitochondrial sequences of 11 species. Although the diploid number was constant within the genus, 2n = 34, B chromosomes were reported in 7 species. Cytogenetic data showed karyotypic variations related to chromosome morphology and the amount and distribution of heterochromatin and repetitive DNA. The molecular phylogenetic reconstruction corroborated the monophyly of the genus and separated the 2 clades (A and B). This separation was also observed in the cytogenetic data, in which species within each clade shared most of the cytogenetic characteristics. Furthermore, our data suggested that the B chromosome in the genus Partamona likely originated from a common ancestor of the species that have it in clade B and, through interspecific hybridization, it appeared only in Partamona rustica from clade A. Based on the above, Partamona is an interesting genus for further investigations using molecular mapping of B chromosomes as well as for broadening phylogenetic data.

High-resolution (mtDNA) melting analysis for simple and efficient characterization of Africanized honey bee Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera:Apidae).

Analysis of the mtDNA variation in Apis mellifera L. has allowed distinguishing subspecies and evolutionary lineages by means of different molecular methods; from RFLP, to PCR-RFLP and direct sequencing. Likewise, geometric morphometrics (GM) has been used to distinguish Africanized honey bees with a high degree of consistency with studies using molecular information. High-resolution fusion analysis (HRM) allows one to quickly identify sequence polymorphisms by comparing DNA melting curves in short amplicons generated by real-time PCR (qPCR). The objective of this work was to implement the HRM technique in the diagnosis of Africanization of colonies of A. mellifera from Argentina, using GM as a validation method. DNA was extracted from 60 A. mellifera colonies for mitotype identification. Samples were initially analyzed by HRM, through qPCRs of two regions (485 bp/385 bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (cytb). This technique was then optimizing to amplify a smaller PCR product (207 bp) for the HRM diagnosis for the Africanization of colonies. Of the 60 colony samples analyzed, 41 were classified as colonies of European origin whereas 19 revealed African origin. All the samples classified by HRM were correctly validated by GM, demonstrating that this technique could be implemented for a rapid identification of African mitotypes in Apis mellifera samples.

Machine learning approach for automatic recognition of tomato-pollinating bees based on their buzzing-sounds.

Bee-mediated pollination greatly increases the size and weight of tomato fruits. Therefore, distinguishing between the local set of bees-those that are efficient pollinators-is essential to improve the economic returns for farmers. To achieve this, it is important to know the identity of the visiting bees. Nevertheless, the traditional taxonomic identification of bees is not an easy task, requiring the participation of experts and the use of specialized equipment. Due to these limitations, the development and implementation of new technologies for the automatic recognition of bees become relevant. Hence, we aim to verify the capacity of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms in recognizing the taxonomic identity of visiting bees to tomato flowers based on the characteristics of their buzzing sounds. We compared the performance of the ML algorithms combined with the Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) and with classifications based solely on the fundamental frequency, leading to a direct comparison between the two approaches. In fact, some classifiers powered by the MFCC-especially the SVM-achieved better performance compared to the randomized and sound frequency-based trials. Moreover, the buzzing sounds produced during sonication were more relevant for the taxonomic recognition of bee species than analysis based on flight sounds alone. On the other hand, the ML classifiers performed better in recognizing bees genera based on flight sounds. Despite that, the maximum accuracy obtained here (73.39% by SVM) is still low compared to ML standards. Further studies analyzing larger recording samples, and applying unsupervised learning systems may yield better classification performance. Therefore, ML techniques could be used to automate the taxonomic recognition of flower-visiting bees of the cultivated tomato and other buzz-pollinated crops. This would be an interesting option for farmers and other professionals who have no experience in bee taxonomy but are interested in improving crop yields by increasing pollination.

The Orchid Bee Fauna (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossini) of a Neotropical Savanna: an Efficient Protocol to Assess Bee Community and Diversity Along Elevational and Habitat Complexity Gradients.

Males of euglossine bees, also known as orchid bees, are attracted to aromatic compounds and this feature has been exploited to collect them. Here we sampled orchid bee males using a rapid passive method in a Neotropical savanna ecosystem in Rio Preto State Park (PERP), southeastern Brazil. The sampling protocol consisted of 5-day surveys using scent traps at the beginning and end of the rainy seasons. PERP is inserted in a Brazilian savanna characterized by a mosaic of vegetation types, and elevational gradients. We also analyzed whether the habitat complexity and elevational gradients influence the richness and abundance of these bees. We collected a total of 996 individuals belonging to 14 species and four genera (Eufriesea Cockerell 1908, Euglossa Latreille 1802, Eulaema Lepeletier 1841, and Exaerete Hoffmannsegg 1817). Comparing our results with previous sampling protocols at PERP, higher abundance and richness were observed using traps than insect nets to survey these bees. In addition, the orchid bee fauna in PERP was successfully assessed by our rapid passive protocol, showing that this protocol seems to be useful for collecting orchid bees in open vegetation environments. We observed that the abundance of bees was lower at higher elevations, and both abundance and richness increased in more complex habitat. This may be due to the characteristics of Brazilian savannas where the lower elevations have higher habitat complexity, with more places for nest construction and resources for feeding and nesting.

Case Report: "Killer Bee" Swarm Attacks in French Guiana: The Importance of Prompt Care.

In French Guiana, a French overseas region partly located in the Amazon, "Africanized" bees, a hybrid species of Brazilian bees known as "killer bees," have been observed since 1975. Since then, several cases requiring long hospitalization times have been described, allowing for a better understanding of the physiopathological mechanisms of this particular envenomation. Here, we report on a series of 10 cases of patients simultaneously attacked by hundreds of killer bees and immediately treated by a prehospital medical team already on site. Between 75 and 650 stingers were removed per victim. The reference treatment for anaphylaxis using intramuscular injection of epinephrine, vascular filling, and oxygen therapy was administered to all patients without delay. A clinical description was provided, and biological tests were performed immediately after the envenomation. We therefore observe the existence of a two-phase, medically well-controlled systemic toxic reaction. Thus, all our patients left the hospital after 44 hours of monitoring with no complications or sequelae, despite levels of intoxication described as potentially fatal elsewhere in the literature.

A revision of the bee genus Ancyloscelis (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Argentina.

A revision of the emphorine bee genus Ancyloscelis in Argentina is presented. The genus extends from the United States to the center of Argentina, but the maximum diversity of morphological structures is found among South American species. Its species form two distinctive groups regarding their mouthparts: one of them with hooked setae on the proboscis, and the other one with simple or plumose setae on the proboscis. To the first group belong in Argentina, A. bonariensis Brèthes, A. halictoides (Holmberg), A. mesopotamica (Holmberg), and the new species A. holmergi. To the second group belong in Argentina A. apiformis (Fabricius), A. romeroi (Holmberg), A. saltensis Rodríguez Roig-Alsina, and A. nigricornis Rodríguez Roig-Alsina. Lectotype designations are made for Leptergatis bonariensis Brèthes and Leptergatis mesopotamica Holmberg. Ancyloscelis turmalis Vachal is a junior new synonym of Ancyloscelis mesopotamica. The synonymy of Ancyloscelis gigas Friese as junior synonym of Ancyloscelis halictoides is confirmed. Descriptions, illustrations, and a key to the species are provided.

Bioactive compounds in Apis mellifera monofloral honeys.

Honey is a natural product with a sweet flavor. Honey is made by the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) from the nectar of flowers or other plant secretions that are collected near the hive. These products are mixed with bee saliva and stored. Several studies have demonstrated that honey exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, nematicidal, antifungal, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. These properties are influenced by the plants from which the secretions are harvested, from the naturally occurring compounds present in the nectar. Studies of the properties and applications of honey have distinguished honey from other natural products due to the presence of certain compounds and due its bioactive properties. The focus of this review is to discuss the identified and isolated compounds from monofloral honey produced by A. mellifera, with specific emphasis on antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of honey and its therapeutic health benefits.

Behavior notes and prey spectrum of three species of the bee-hunting wasp Trachypus Klug (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)

Trachypus Klug is a Neotropical genus of crabronid wasps comprising 31 ground-nesting species. Its species can be solitary or communal, and two diet ranges are known: they can forage on several bee subfamilies and wasps; or can be specialists on stingless bees. Natural history observations are scarce nowadays but are essential to contextualize ecological and evolutionary studies. Here we report new records and give biological notes for Trachypus elongatus (Fabricius, 1804), Trachypus taschenbergi Rubio-Espina, 1975, and Trachypus varius (Taschenberg, 1875). Observations and samplings were carried out twice a month, during one year in the city of Curitiba, southern Brazil. Besides field observations, circular statistics were used to analyze seasonality. All species nest in sloped soil and are solitary. Trachypus elongatus and T. taschenbergi were active during most of the year with marked seasonality in the late spring and early summer. Both species were observed hunting only stingless bees, with T. elongatus specialized on Trigona spinipes (Fabricius, 1793), and T. taschenbergi specialized on Paratrigona subnuda Moure, 1947 drones. Trachypus varius was observed only in January and one female was recorded foraging on a Paratrigona subnuda worker. Our observations provide additional data for understanding the biology of bee-hunting wasps, and this is the first study to bring information for T. taschenbergi and T. varius. Our data corroborate that some species of the genus Trachypus are specialized on stingless bees.(AU)

New host record for the enigmatic Neotropical mantidfly genus Anchieta Navás, 1909 (Neuroptera, Mantispidae), a mimic of wasps and stingless bees

Species of Symphrasinae (Neuroptera: Mantispidae) are ectoparasitoids of larvae and pupae of holometabolous insects, primarily of Hymenoptera in their larval stages. Herein we present the third case of an association between the mantidfly genus Anchieta Navás, 1909 with the order Hymenoptera. The hymenopteran species attacked by the as of yet undescribed species of Anchieta is Montezumia dimidiata Saussure, 1852 (Vespidae: Eumeninae), a predacious wasp that constructs mud nests. The association was observed in Peruvian Amazonia (near Tarapoto, San Martín), after rearing the mantidflies from a wasp nest. The biology and mimicry pattern with stingless bees of the reared Anchieta species is discussed.(AU)

Does a coffee plantation host potential pollinators when it is not flowering? Bee distribution in an agricultural landscape with high biological diversity in the Brazilian Campo Rupestre.

BACKGROUND: Natural environments within agricultural landscapes have been recognized as reservoirs of biodiversity and, therefore, providers of fundamental ecosystem services to human beings. Bees are the main providers of pollination and thus contribute to the production of food consumed worldwide. In this work, we evaluated the distribution of bees in an agricultural landscape of coffee plantation before and after coffee flowering. We aimed at understanding how richness, abundance and composition of bee communities vary among the different vegetation types within and around the coffee crops. RESULTS: A total of 638 bees were collected - 312 in the dry season and 326 in the rainy season - totaling 85 species. The sampling methods collected different species, which provided complementary sampling. Only Euglossa leucotricha and Eulaema nigrita were recurrent in both seasons and vegetation types. There was no temporal difference in richness or abundance; however, both varied in relation to the vegetation type and were higher in the coffee-native transition area. Diverging from richness or abundance, the composition of the communities differed regarding season and vegetation types. CONCLUSION: We reinforce the importance of maintaining native vegetation in areas surrounding coffee plantations since the crop poorly hosts pollinators when it is not flowering. Natural and semi-natural areas may act as reservoirs of floral visitors, thus maintaining potential cross-pollination services available to coffee production. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

A New Species of Tetragona Lepeletier & Serville, 1828 from the "truncata group" and New Distribution Records of T. truncata Moure, 1971 (Hymenoptera: Apidae).

Tetragona Lepeletier & Serville is a genus of stingless bees with 14 recognized species occurring from Mexico to Argentina. The genus is characterized by velvety genal area, mesotibial spur present, and propodeal triangle glabrous. Within the genus, the truncata species group (T. truncata Moure and T. atahualpa sp. nov.) is characterized by worker metabasitarsus with posterior angle rounded and the mandible with two short teeth of similar length. Tetragona truncata is reported with new records for Ecuador (Napo and Orellana), Peru (Huánuco, Loreto, and San Martín), and Brazil (Acre [Rio Branco] and Tocantins [Itacá, Lizarda and Palmas]). In addition, T. atahualpa sp. nov. is described as a new species from regions of altitudes above 1,800 m in Colombia (Boyacá), Ecuador (Napo, Zamora-Chinchipe), and Peru (Pasco). We illustrate and discuss the identification of these two species.

Two new species of oil-collecting bees of Centris (Melanocentris) from Colombia (Hymenoptera: Apidae) / Duas espécies novas de abelhas coletoras de óleo de Centris (Melanocentris) da Colômbia (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

In this article are described two new species of oil-collecting bees of Centris (Melanocentris) from Colombia. Centris (Melanocentris) marinae sp. nov. occurs in the northeast, César Department, while C. (Melanocentris) germani sp. nov. occurs in the southeast, in the Caquetá, Meta and Vaupés Departments, as well as in the Amazonas State in northwestern Brazil. Photographs of both new species and a distribution map are also presented.

Duas espécies novas de abelhas coletoras de óleo de Centris (Melanocentris) da Colômbia (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Neste artigo são descritas duas novas espécies de abelhas coletoras de óleo do subgênero Centris (Melanocentris) da Colômbia. Centris (Melanocentris) marinae sp. nov. ocorre no nordeste do país, no Departamento de César, enquanto C. (Melanocentris) germani sp. nov. ocorre no sudeste, nos Departamentos de Caquetá, Meta e Vaupés, assim como também no Estado do Amazonas, no noroeste do Brasil. Fotografias das duas novas espécies e um mapa de distribuição também são apresentados.