The origin of the stingless bee species described by Frederick Smith from Brazilian specimens brought to the London International Exhibition of 1862

ABSTRACT For a long time, the provenance of the specimens used by Frederick Smith to describe the species of stingless bees from Brazil remained a mystery. The recent digitalization of 19th century publications has made possible to trace the origin of the material brought to the London International Exhibition of 1862 by the Brazilian delegation. We document that the bee specimens showed at the International Exhibition, and that served as type material of the species described by Smith, were collected by Manuel Ferreira Lagos, head of the Zoology section of the Comissão Científica de Exploração, during their stay in Ceará, from 1859 to 1861. Even if late, it is important to give due credit to the Comissão Científica de Exploração, and more specifically to Lagos, for the contribution to the knowledge of the stingless bee fauna from Brazil.

Análisis de la miel de abeja en Chile: un estudio de caso en el sector apícola / Honey bee analysis in Chile: a case study in the beekeeping sector / Análise das abelhas no Chile: estudo de caso no setor da apicultura

RESUMEN La finalidad de este estudio consiste en analizar la miel de abeja en Chile para proponer lineamientos estratégicos que permitan contribuir a la gestión del sector apícola chileno. Para ello, la metodología utilizada es un estudio de caso, para lo cual se aplica en el año 2021 una encuesta a 84 consumidores y a 40 apicultores de la Región del Biobío en Chile. Los resultados del estudio permiten apreciar que el 38% de los apicultores se dedica hace más de 10 años a la producción de miel y el 50% senala que aprendió solo del rubro, siendo las principales dificultades enfrentadas la organización y el tiempo, la sanidad y nutrición. Además, el 42% de los apicultores plantean que el cambio climático, las plagas y sequías afectaron la producción de la miel entre un 0 y 20%. Mientras que el 30% de los consumidores encuestados considera como prioridad el prestigio o reputación del producto. Se concluye la relevancia de los lineamientos estratégicos para guiar el desarrollo de la cadena de la miel en Chile y se recomienda su implementación para el fortalecimiento del sector apícola a nivel nacional e internacional. СLASIFICACIÓN JEL: 170, 013

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to analyze bee honey in Chile to propose strategic guidelines that allow contributing to the management of the Chilean beekeeping sector For this, the methodology used is a case study for which a survey of 84 consumers and 40 beekeepers of the Biobío Region in Chile is applied in 2021. The results of the study allow us to appreciate that 38% of beekeepers have been dedicated to honey production for more than 10 years and 50% indicate that they only learned about the field, the main difficulties faced being organization and time, health and nutrition. In addition, 42% of beekeepers indicate that climate change, plagues and droughts affected honey production between 0 and 20%. While 30% of consumers surveyed consider the prestige or reputation of the product as a priority. The relevance of the strategic guidelines to guide the development of the honey chain in Chile is concluded and its implementation is recommended for the strengthening of the beekeeping sector at a national and international level. JEL CLASSIFICATION: 170, 013

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a análise das abelhas no Chile a fim de propor diretrizes estratégicas que contribuam para a gestão do setor apícola chileno. Para este fim, a metodologia utilizada é um estudo de caso, para o qual foi realizada uma pesquisa com 84 consumidores e 40 apicultores na Região de Biobío, no Chile, em 2021. Os resultados do estudo mostram que 38% dos apicultores estão envolvidos na produção de mel há mais de 10 anos e 50% dizem que só aprenderam sobre o negócio, sendo as principais dificuldades a organização e o tempo, a saúde e a nutrição. Além disso, 42% dos apicultores dizem que a mudança climática, as pragas e as secas afetaram a produção de mel em 0-20%. Enquanto 30% dos consumidores pesquisados consideram o prestígio ou a reputação do produto como prioridade. A relevância das diretrizes estratégicas para orientar o desenvolvimento da cadeia do mel no Chile está concluída e sua implementação é recomendada para o fortalecimento do setor apícola a nível nacional e internacional. CLASSIFICAÇÃO JEL: 170, 013

The bee fauna (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) in Cerrado and Cerrado-Amazon Rainforest transition sites in Tocantins state, Northern Region of Brazil / A fauna de abelhas (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) em áreas de Cerrado e de transição Cerrado-Floresta Amazônica no estado do Tocantins, Região Norte do Brasil

Abstract: Two sites located in Tocantins State, Brazil, were selected for the bee's community survey. One of them was mostly covered by Cerrado vegetation and the other one is located in the Cerrado-Amazon Rainforest ecotone. Five expeditions were performed in each site throughout a 12-month period, between 2019 and 2020. The total of 771 bee specimens were collected and distributed into four families. Apidae presented the greatest species abundance and richness, it was followed by Halictidae, Megachilidae and Andrenidae, respectively. Trigona pallens (Fabricius) (Apidae) was the species presenting the greatest abundance in both sites, it totaled 118 specimens, which corresponded to 26.9% of the total abundance of individuals belonging to tribe Meliponini. In general, the community presented several species with few individuals and few species with many individuals. Bee collections were performed by using three different methodologies, among them one finds sampling based on the entomological net method, which allowed collecting the largest number of both individuals and species in comparison to the other used methods. Based on the frequency and abundance classes, only few species were classified as very frequent (VF) and very abundant (VA) in both sites based on the frequency and abundance classes. Most species were constant (W) in both regions, and there was a small number of dominant species (D); moreover, more than 70% of the sampled species were considered accidental (Z). According to the present study, either Cerrado or Cerrado-Amazon Rainforest studied sites presented higher species richness than other sites in these biomes sampled in Brazil.

Resumo: Duas áreas localizadas no Estado do Tocantins, Brasil foram selecionadas para o levantamento da comunidade de abelhas, uma área com vegetação predominante de Cerrado e outra em ecótono Cerrado-Amazônia. Durante cinco expedições em cada área em um período de 12 meses, entre os anos de 2019 e 2020 foram coletados 771 espécimes de abelhas, distribuídas em quatro famílias: Apidae, com a maior abundância e riqueza de espécies, seguida de Halictidae, Megachilidae e Andrenidae. Trigona pallens (Fabricius) (Apidae) foi a espécie com maior abundância em ambas as áreas, totalizando 118 espécimes, o que correspondeu a 26,9% da abundância total de indivíduos da tribo Meliponini. De um modo geral, a comunidade apresentou muitas espécies com poucos indivíduos e poucas espécies com muitos indivíduos. A metodologia de coleta com uso de rede entomológica permitiu a coleta do maior número de indivíduos e de espécies em relação a outros três métodos utilizados. Em ambas as áreas, poucas espécies foram classificadas como muito frequentes (MF) e muito abundantes (MA), de acordo com as classes de frequência e de abundância. Também para ambas as áreas, grande parte das espécies foram constantes (W) e um baixo número de espécies dominantes (D), com mais de 70% delas consideradas acidentais (Z). O presente estudo revelou que tanto o Cerrado como a área de transição Cerrado-Floresta Amazônica apresentou alta riqueza de espécies em comparação com outras áreas destes biomas amostradas no Brasil.

Pollen resources partitioning of stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from the southern Atlantic forest

Meliponinae eusocial bees are among the most important pollinators in the Neotropics and their beekeeping has been growing as both recreational and economic activity. Information on the pollen preferences and niche overlap among species coexisting in the same location is still scarce. This study focused on the use of pollen resources by three native species of Meliponinae in the Atlantic Forest, Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata (Lepeletier 1836), Scaptotrigona depilis (Moure 1942), and Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille 1811), at two different sites. The use of pollen resources was evaluated from reserves inside hives collected monthly between February 2015 and January 2016. It was also estimated the Mean Minimal Distance (Dm) traveled by the bees to obtain pollen. The bees differed regarding the diversity of pollen types, Dm, and proportion of pollen from different plant life-form. Local factor promoted differences only for Dm. M. q. quadrifasciata foraged a low diversity of pollen species and traveled greater distances with a higher proportion of trees plus palm species. Tetragonisca angustula foraged a higher diversity of pollen and flew shorter distances with a lower proportion of trees and palms. The species factor predominates over the local factor in the clustering pattern, based on pollen profile similarity.

Ecological impact and population status of non-native bees in a Brazilian urban environment

Abstract The introduction of species is an important global threat to native ecosystems and yet little is known about invasion risks of non-native bees. Moreover, urbanization is increasing rapidly around the world with impact on the bee fauna. The city of Curitiba (Brazil) could be considered a model system for studies under this scope, with historical samplings and monitoring programs since the 1940s. This paper aims to quantify the current ecological impact of the non-native bee species present in Curitiba by using an integrative measure of impact and to define their current population status by classifying them into a unified framework for biological invasions. Ten sites were actively sampled in the metropolitan area of Curitiba during ten months. In addition to Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758, we found two others non-native species, Anthidium manicatum (Linnaeus, 1758) and Melipona scutellaris Latreille, 1811. None of them changed the native bee community structure, but they got different values of impact due to their ranges and abundances. While the honeybee is a known invasive species, A. manicatum was also considered invasive and has persisted in the city since the 1940s, interacting with the non-native plant Leonurus japonicus Houtt. M. scutellaris, a cultivated stingless bee species, had its first record for the city and fits the casual non-native category. We suggest monitoring the non-native bee species and actions centered on beekeepers to avoid future illegal introductions. The honey production or hobby interest on stingless bees can offer additional obstacles for species conservation when decoupled of scientific knowledge.

Antileishmanial activity and chemical composition from Brazilian geopropolis produced by stingless bee Melipona fasciculata

ABSTRACT Geopropolis is produced by some stingless bee species such as Melipona fasciculata and consists of a mixture of plant resins, salivary secretions of the bee, wax, and soil. This study evaluated the antileishmanial activity in vitro, cytotoxicity and chemical composition of geopropolis produced by M. fasciculata in the savannah region of Maranhão, Brazil. The geopropolis extract was obtained through maceration using in 70% ethanol. The hydroalcoholic extract of geopropolis after liquid-liquid partition yielded the hexane, chloroformic, ethyl acetate and hydroalcoholic fractions. Antileishmanial activity was evaluated against promastigote and intracellular amastigote of Leishmania amazonensis. Cytotoxic was realized in BALB/c mice peritoneal macrophages. Chemical analysis was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography coupled to an ultraviolet-visible detector. The geopropolis inhibited the L. amazonensis promastigotes growth and was effective in reducing the infection of murine macrophages since the number of internalized amastigotes were smaller in cells treated with the geopropolis extract in relation to the untreated group. The ethyl acetate fraction was the most active and showed the highest index of selectivity as antileishmanial product. The geopropolis from M. fasciculata had an antileishmanial effect, mainly after the obtention of the ethyl acetate fraction that improved the activity without increasing the cytotoxicity against murine macrophages. Analysis for gas chromatography-mass spectrometer identified as main compounds the gallic and ellagic phenolic acids, either in the extract or in the active fraction. The results obtained by high performance liquid chromatography it was possible to confirm the presence and quantify the concentration gallic and ellagic acid either in the extract or in the active fraction. These results suggest that the antileishmanial activity of geopropolis is related to the presence of derivatives of these phenolic acids, mainly gallic and ellagic acids.

Floral visitors of canola (Brassica napus L. ) hybrids in Cerrado Mineiro region, Brazil / Visitantes florais em híbridos de canola (Brassica napus L. ) na região do Cerrado Mineiro, Brasil

The objective of this study was to verify floral visitors of canola in the Triângulo Mineiro region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A completely randomized plot design with two hybrids and 10 replicates was used, totaling 20 plots. The survey of floral visitors was made during 10 days. Faunal analyses of the collected species were performed based on frequency, constancy, dominance, and diversity. A total of 2,676 individuals belonging to 13 species of bees of two families (Apidae and Halictidae) were collected. The diversity index found among hybrids was similar (1.28 in hybrid 61 and 1.50 in hybrid 433). The species Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae), Paratrigona lineata (Lepeletier, 1836) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), and Trigona spinipes (Fabricius, 1793) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were the most abundant and constant in the crops during all the evaluated days for both hybrids. So, it is important that efforts be made to conserve natural areas close to crops in order to provide resources for the permanence of floral visitors in the area.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os visitantes florais de canola na região do Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais, Brasil. ­Utilizou-se um delineamento experimental de blocos inteiramente randomizados com dois híbridos e 10 amostras replicadas, totalizando 20 amostras. A pesquisa de visitantes florais foi feita durante 10 dias. As análises faunísticas das espécies coletadas foram realizadas com base na frequência, constância, domínio, riqueza e diversidade. Um total de 2.676 indivíduos pertencentes a 13 espécies de abelhas de duas famílias (Apidae e Halictidae) foram coletados. A riqueza das espécies encontradas entre os híbridos foi semelhante (10 espécies no híbrido 61 e 12 espécies no híbrido 433), bem como o índice de diversidade (1,28 no híbrido 61 e 1,50 no híbrido 433). A espécie Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae), Paratrigona lineata (Lepeletier, 1836) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) e Trigona spinipes (Fabricius, 1793) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) foram as mais abundantes e constantes nas culturas durante todos os dias avaliados para ambos os híbridos. Com isso, é importante que sejam feitos esforços para conservar as áreas naturais próximas às culturas, a fim de fornecer recursos para a permanência de visitantes florais na área.(AU)

Daño colateral en abejas por la exposición a pesticidas de uso agrícola / Collateral damage in bees due to pesticide exposure of agricultural use / Danos colaterais às abelhas por exposição a pesticidas agrícolas

RESUMEN El uso de pesticidas es una práctica común en la industria agrícola para erradicar plagas. El objetivo de esta revisión fue documentar el efec to de los pesticidas en la relación ecológica de las abejas con el medio ambiente y los sistemas de producción agropecuaria. Se revisaron las publicaciones científicas y académicas en Science-Direct, Scielo, JSTOR, Springerlink y Google académico. Se encontró que las abejas proveen de servicios ecosistémicos poco valorados a nivel productivo y económico y, de acuerdo con estimaciones globales sus pobla ciones se encuentran en declive. Las abejas exhiben hipersensibilidad a la mayoría de diferentes pesticidas (especialmente insecticidas). Además, padecen diferentes alteraciones fisiológicas a nivel del sistema nervioso, respecto a su ciclo reproductivo e inmunosupresión. En conclusión, existe evidencia respecto a los efectos tóxicos de los pesticidas que alteran colateralmente las cosechas, específicamente en el proceso de polinización mediada por abejas.

ABSTRACT The use of pesticides is a common practice used in agricultural production to eradicate bugs. The review's aim was to document the pesticide effect regarding bee ecologic relationship with environment and agricultural production systems. Scientific and academic reports were retrieved from Science-Direct, Scielo, JSTOR, Springerlink and Google scholar Findings reveal that bees provide ecosystem services which are not well evaluated and according to global estimations bee's populations are endangered. Bees present hypersusceptibility to several pesticides (insecticides). Although, bees suffer physiologic alterations including neuronal system, impairment in the reproductive cycle and immunosuppression. In conclusion, there is evidence about toxic effects of pesticides which collaterally impact crop productivity through bee-mediated pollination.

RESUMO O uso de pesticidas é uma prática comum na indústria agrícola para erradicar as pragas. O objetivo desta revisão foi documentar o efeito de pesticidas na relação ecológica das abelhas com o meio ambiente e sistemas de produção agrícola. As publicações científicas e acadêmicas em acadêmicos da Science-Direct, Scielo, JSTOR, Springerlink e Google foram revisadas. Descobriu-se que as abelhas fornecem serviços ecossistêmicos que são pouco valorizados em um nível produtivo e econômico e, de acordo com estimativas globais, suas populações estão em declínio. As abelhas exibem hipersensibilidade aos mais diferentes pesticidas (especialmente inseticidas). Além disso, sofrem diferentes alterações fisiológicas ao nível do sistema nervoso, no que diz respeito ao ciclo reprodutivo e à imunossupressão. Em conclusão, há evidências sobre os efeitos tóxicos de pesticidas que colateralmente alteram as culturas, especificamente no processo de polinização mediada por abelhas.

A new technique in the excavation of ground-nest bee burrows (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)

ABSTRACT Bees have a diversified natural history, thus the methods applied to study such diversity are varied. When it comes to studies of nesting biology, bees which nest in pre-existing cavities have been reasonably well studied since researchers started using trap-nests. However, bees whose nests are built underground are poorly studied due to the difficulty of finding natural nesting areas and the absence of a method that facilitates bee nest excavation. The latter is evidenced by the lack of accurate descriptions in literature of how nests are excavated. In this study we tested cylindrical rubber refills of eraser pen as a new material to be used as a tracer of underground nest galleries in a natural nesting area of two species of Epicharis Klug, 1807 (Apidae). We compared this technique directly with plaster in powder form mixed with water and our results with other methodological studies describing alternative methods and materials. The rubber refill technique overcame the main issues presented by materials such as plaster, molten metal alloys and bioplastic, namely: death of the organisms by high temperatures and/or formation of plugs and materials unduly following the roots inside the galleries.

Bees as hosts of mutillid wasps in the Neotropical region (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Mutillidae)

ABSTRACT A review of bee species used as hosts of mutillid wasps in the Neotropical region is presented. Three new confirmed host records are provided for the mutillid species Hoplomutilla biplagiata Mickel, 1939, Pappognatha limes Mickel, 1939, and Tallium aracati Casal, 1962. Two potential host records are provided for Euspinolia rufula Mickel, 1938 and Lophomutilla inca Fritz and Pagliano, 1993. Additionally, Mutilla hoplitiformis Strand, 1909, is transferred to the genus Darditilla. Correlations between host nesting habits and female mutillid morphology are discussed. Lastly, all known confirmed and potential host records in the Neotropical region are compiled.

Infestation rate of the mite Varroa destructor in commercial apiaries of the Vale do Paraíba and Serra da Mantiqueira, southeastern Brazil / Taxas de infestação do ácaro Varroa destructor em apiários comerciais do Vale do Paraíba e da Serra da Mantiqueira, sudeste do Brasil

Nos últimos anos, grandes perdas de colônias de abelhas melíferas vêm sendo registradas em várias regiões do mundo. Contudo, os motivos desse acontecimento permanecem obscuros. O ácaro ectoparasita Varroa destructor Anderson e Trueman (Acari: Varroidae) pode ser um dos responsáveis por esse fato, principalmente como vetor de vírus. Neste estudo, avaliaram-se as taxas de infestação (TIs) do ácaro V. destructor em abelhas africanizadas Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) e correlacionaram-se os dados com as médias de temperatura de 16 municípios das regiões do Vale do Paraíba e da Serra da Mantiqueira (São Paulo, Brasil), onde a apicultura comercial atua de maneira significativa. Em cada município, um apiário comercial foi selecionado para coleta de amostras de três colônias populosas (padrão Langstroth), totalizando 48 colônias amostradas. Aproximadamente 300 abelhas adultas localizadas na área de cria foram coletadas em cada colônia. As TIs variaram de 0.0 a 5.5%, níveis considerados baixos para causar danos significativos às colônias. As TIs mais baixas foram encontradas em municípios com clima mais ameno durante a estação avaliada (verão). Adicionalmente, cofatores como variações na disponibilidade de alimento entre os municípios e a variabilidade genética das abelhas podem interagir na interação entre parasita e hospedeiro. A variação nas TIs entre os municípios indica que, mesmo presente, a tolerância das abelhas africanizadas ao varroa pode variar drasticamente em uma pequena região, devido à dinâmica multifatorial de infestação do ácaro.(AU)

The orchid-bee fauna (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of a forest remnant in the southern portion of the Brazilian Amazon / A fauna de abelhas-das-orquídeas (Hymenoptera: Apidae) de um remanescente florestal no extremo sul da Amazônia brasileira

The orchid-bee fauna of the region of Porto Velho, in the state of Rondônia, Brazil, close to the southernmost limits of the Amazon Basin, was surveyed for the first time using five different scents as baits to attract orchid-bee males. Five hundred and twenty-one males belonging to five genera and 29 species were collected with bait traps during 26 non-consecutive days from November, 2011 to January, 2012. Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, 1841 and Eulaema meriana (Olivier, 1789) were the most common species in the region and, together, represented almost 50% of all collected bees. Although the observed richness conforms to similar inventories in the region, the diversity (H′= 2.43) found in the present study is one of the highest ever recorded for orchid bees in the Amazon Basin.

A fauna de abelhas euglossinas da região de Porto Velho, estado de Rondônia, Brasil, próxima ao limite setentrional da Bacia Amazônica, foi amostrada pela primeira vez com o uso de cinco diferentes compostos aromáticos para atrair machos dessas abelhas. Quinhentos e vinte e um machos pertencentes a cinco gêneros e 29 espécies foram coletados em armadilhas durante 26 dias não consecutivos entre novembro de 2011 e janeiro de 2012. Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, 1841 e Eulaema meriana (Olivier, 1789) foram as espécies mais comuns na região e, juntas, representaram quase 50% do total de abelhas capturadas. Embora a riqueza observada no presente estudo seja semelhante a de outros inventários na Amazônia brasileira, a diversidade encontrada (H′= 2,43) é uma das mais altas já verificadas para a região.

The orchid-bee fauna (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of a forest remnant in the southern portion of the Brazilian Amazon

The orchid-bee fauna of the region of Porto Velho, in the state of Rondônia, Brazil, close to the southernmost limits of the Amazon Basin, was surveyed for the first time using five different scents as baits to attract orchid-bee males. Five hundred and twenty-one males belonging to five genera and 29 species were collected with bait traps during 26 non-consecutive days from November, 2011 to January, 2012. Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, 1841 and Eulaema meriana (Olivier, 1789) were the most common species in the region and, together, represented almost 50% of all collected bees. Although the observed richness conforms to similar inventories in the region, the diversity (H= 2.43) found in the present study is one of the highest ever recorded for orchid bees in the Amazon Basin.

A fauna de abelhas euglossinas da região de Porto Velho, estado de Rondônia, Brasil, próxima ao limite setentrional da Bacia Amazônica, foi amostrada pela primeira vez com o uso de cinco diferentes compostos aromáticos para atrair machos dessas abelhas. Quinhentos e vinte e um machos pertencentes a cinco gêneros e 29 espécies foram coletados em armadilhas durante 26 dias não consecutivos entre novembro de 2011 e janeiro de 2012. Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, 1841 e Eulaema meriana (Olivier, 1789) foram as espécies mais comuns na região e, juntas, representaram quase 50% do total de abelhas capturadas. Embora a riqueza observada no presente estudo seja semelhante a de outros inventários na Amazônia brasileira, a diversidade encontrada (H= 2,43) é uma das mais altas já verificadas para a região.

Las abejas (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) del Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona, Pacífico colombiano / Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) of the Gorgona National Natural Park, Colombian Pacific

Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) of Gorgona Natural National Park, Colombian Pacific. The National Natural Park Gorgona is a continental island off the Colombian Pacific coast. Bees have a specialized and crucial role in this isolated and unique ecosystem and here we assess their biodiversity. In three visits, at intervals of three months, six areas of the island with variable vegetation cover, were sampled. Sampling was done indirectly using (i) McPhail traps (baited with cineole, methyl silicate and clove oil), (ii) Van Someren Rydon traps (baited with rotting fish, chicken or fruit), (iii) Malaise traps and (iv) light traps. In addition, a direct sampling was carried out along transects of indeterminate length, for periods of one hour in each area and repeated four times. A total of 585 specimens was captured, of these 443 belong to Apidae (14 genera), 141 to Halictidae (six genera) and one Megachilidae. With this report the local inventory of bees rises to 43 species and 28 genera. Trigona fulviventris guianae Cockerell, 1910 was the most abundant species, Euglossa ignita, the most attracted to aromatic lures and Megalopta genalis Meade-Waldo, 1916 was the dominant species during evening hours. The absence of Apis mellifera was noticeable. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 1): 297-305. Epub 2014 February 01.

En este estudio se presenta la diversidad y abundancia de las abejas del PNN Gorgona. En tres visitas en intervalos de tres meses, se muestrearon seis zonas de la isla con cubierta vegetal variable. Los muestreos fueron indirectos usando (i) trampas McPhail (cebadas con cineol, silicato de metilo y extracto clavos); (ii) trampas Van Someren Rydon (con cebo de pescado o pollo o fruta podridos), (iii) trampas Malaise y (iv) trampas de luz y directos a lo largo de transectos de longitud indefinida, por períodos de una hora en cada área y se repitieron cuatro veces. Un total de 585 especímenes fueron capturados, de ellos, 443 pertenecen a Apidae (14 géneros), 141 a Halictidae (seis géneros) y uno a Megachilidae. Con este informe, el inventario local de Abejas se eleva a 43 especies y 28 géneros. Trigona fulviventris guianae Cockerell, 1910 fue la especie más abundante, Euglossa ignita Smith, 1874 la más atraída por los cebos aromáticos y Megalopta genalis Smith, 1853 dominó durante la noche. Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758 no se encontró en los muestreos. La importancia de la Isla Gorgona, como sitio de la diversidad para las especies de abejas es discutida.

Floral-oil-producing Plantaginaceae species: geographical distribution, pollinator rewards and interactions with oil-collecting bees

Floral oils as reward to pollinators occur in eleven plant families and appeared at least 28 times in the evolutionary history of flowering plants. They are produced in epithelial or tricomatic glands and collected by oil bee visitors. The present paper focuses on floral-oil-producing species of Plantaginaceae, a Neotropical group namely Angelonia clade. This group comprises around 40 described species in the genera Angelonia, Basistemon, Monttea, Monopera and the oil-less Melosperma. We present a revision of all species of the Angelonia clade, their geographical distribution, resources offered to pollinators and records of flower visitors, especially oil-collecting bees. These plants rely only on oil-collecting species in the tribe Centridini and Tapinotaspidini for a successful pollination, being the interaction between both partners an especial case of bee/flower adaptation in Neotropical region. Some bee species depend only on the oil of Plantaginaceae flowers to survive, while others can collect on several floral oil sources. The pollinating bees explore the oil glands located in sacs using specialized hairs in the forelegs. With this study, we hope to inspire further research relating to this fascinating group of plants, in which most species are rare and occur in highly endangered habitats in South American open vegetation biomes.

Os óleos florais como recompensa a polinizadores estão presentes em onze famílias e surgiram ao menos 28 vezes na história evolutiva das plantas floríferas. Estes são produzidos em glândulas tricomáticas ou epiteliais e coletados por abelhas coletoras de óleo. O presente trabalho foi focado nas espécies produtoras de óleo floral de Plantaginaceae, um grupo neotropical conhecido como clado Angelonia. Este grupo compreende cerca de 40 espécies nos gêneros Angelonia, Basistemon, Monttea, Monopera e Melosperma, que não produz óleo floral. Nós apresentamos uma revisão de todas as espécies no clado Angelonia, sua distribuição geográfica, recursos oferecidos e registros de visitantes florais, especialmente abelhas coletoras de óleo. Estas plantas dependem das abelhas coletoras de óleo das tribos Centridini e Tapinotaspidini para uma polinização bem-sucedida, sendo a interação entre ambos os parceiros um caso especial de adaptação abelha/planta na Região Neotropical. Algumas espécies dependem somente do óleo coletado em espécies do clado Angelonia, enquanto outras também podem coletar em várias fontes de óleos florais. Essas abelhas exploram as glândulas de óleo localizadas em bolsas utilizando pelos especializados nas pernas anteriores. Com o presente trabalho esperamos inspirar estudos futuros com este fascinante grupo de plantas, que são em sua maioria espécies raras e que ocorrem nos altamente ameaçados biomas de vegetação aberta da América do Sul.

Are orchid bees at risk? First comparative survey suggests declining populations of forest-dependent species / As abelhas-das-orquideas estao ameacadas? Primeiro levantamento comparativo sugere populacoes em declinio das especies dependentes de ambientes florestais

The two largest Atlantic Forest remnants in the state of Espírito Santo, eastern Brazil, namely ‘Reserva Biológica de Sooretama' (REBIO Sooretama) and ‘Reserva Natural Vale' (RNV), were surveyed for their orchid-bee faunas. Seventeen scent baits were used to attract orchid-bee males. Three-thousand, two hundred and twenty-five males belonging to 24 species were actively collected with insect nets during 100 hours in March, April and December, 2009. In comparison with a previous study in the same area twelve years before, it is evident that the abundance of all forest-dependent orchid bees analysed declined around 50%, and it was statistically significant (P = 0.022) for Euglossa marianae Nemésio, 2011, the most sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances of all Atlantic Forest orchid bees. On the other hand, the abundance of populations of species tolerant to open or disturbed areas rose. Possible explanations are discussed.

Os dois maiores remanescentes de Mata Atlântica no Estado do Espírito Santo, leste do Brasil, precisamente a Reserva Biológica de Sooretama (REBIO Sooretama) e a Reserva Natural Vale (RNV), tiveram suas faunas de abelhas-das-orquídeas amostradas. Dezessete iscas atrativas a machos de abelhas-das-orquídeas foram utilizadas. Um número de 3.225 machos, pertencentes a 24 espécies, foi ativamente coletado, com o auxílio de redes entomológicas, durante 100 horas, em março, abril e dezembro de 2009. Uma comparação com um estudo prévio realizado na mesma área 12 anos antes revelou que a abundância relativa das populações de abelhas dependentes de ambientes florestais declinou em torno de 50%. Tal declínio foi estatisticamente significante (P = 0,022) para pelo menos uma espécie, Euglossa marianae Nemésio, 2011, a espécie mais sensível a perturbações antrópicas. Por outro lado, a abundância relativa das populações de espécies tolerantes às áreas abertas ou perturbadas aumentou. Possíveis explicações são discutidas.

The ectoparasite mite Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman in southeastern Brazil apiaries: effects of the hygienic behavior of Africanized honey bees on infestation rates / O ácaro ectoparasita Varroa destructor Anderson e Trueman em apiários do sudeste brasileiro: efeito do comportamento higiênico de abelhas africanizadas nas taxas de infestação

In Brazil, the ectoparasitic mite of bees Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman (Acari: Varroidae) remains at low levels of infestation causing no major damage. However, with the introduction and possible dominance of a new haplotype (K) of the mite, usually found in areas with high infestation rates (IR), it is necessary to monitor and select beehives that are resistant to the pest in order to avoid future problems. Several factors are listed as potentially being responsible for the dynamics of mite infestation, among which hygienic behavior (HB) stands out. In this context we sought to evaluate the HB of Africanized honey bees Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) compared with the mite IR in apiaries of two municipalities of southeastern Brazil (Taubaté and Viçosa). For the municipality of Taubaté, the average IR was 4.9% (3.4 to 5.8%), while the HB averaged 98.6% (96 to 100%). In Viçosa, the average mite IR was found to be 10.0% (5.4 to 21.0%) with an average value for HB of 57.7% (0 to 79.0%). Results from this research show that IR and HB were negatively correlated (R = -0.9627, P<0.01), suggesting that hives with higher HB have lower IR.

No Brasil, o ácaro ectoparasita de abelhas Varroa destructor Anderson e Trueman (Acari: Varroidae) se mantém em índices de infestação baixos, não causando grandes prejuízos. Todavia com a introdução e possível predominância de um novo haplótipo (K) do ácaro, geralmente encontrado em regiões com altas taxas de infestação (TI), faz-se necessário o monitoramento e seleção de colônias resistentes à praga, evitando problemas futuros. Vários fatores são relacionados como possíveis responsáveis pela dinâmica de infestação do ácaro, dentre os quais se destaca o comportamento higiênico (CH). Nesse contexto buscamos avaliar o CH de abelhas africanizadas Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) correlacionando com as TI do ácaro em apiários de dois municípios do sudeste brasileiro (Taubaté e Viçosa). Em Taubaté, o valor médio da TI foi de 4,9% (3,4 a 5,8%), enquanto que o CH foi em média 98,6% (96 a 100%). Já em Viçosa, a TI média do ácaro foi de 10,0% (5,4 a 21,0%) com valor médio de CH de 57,7% (0 a 77,0%). Resultados dessa pesquisa demonstraram que as variáveis TI e CH foram negativamente correlacionadas (R= -0,9627; P<0,01), sugerindo que colônias que possuem CH mais elevado possuem menores TI.

Potential pollinators of Comolia ovalifolia DC Triana (Melastomataceae) and Chamaecrista ramosa (Vog.) H.S. Irwin and Barneby var. ramosa (Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae), in restinga, Bahia, Brazil / Polinizadores potenciais de Comolia ovalifolia DC Triana (Melastomataceae) e Chamaecrista ramosa (Vog.) H.S. Irwin e Barneby var. ramosa (Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae), na restinga, Bahia, Brasil

Comolia ovalifolia DC Triana (Melastomataceae) and Chamaecrista ramosa (Vog.) H.S. Irwin and Barneby var. ramosa (Leguminosae - Caesalpinioideae) are tropical plant species found in restinga (herbaceous-shrubby, sandy costal ecosystems). They have flowers with poricidal anthers and are pollinated by bees. The study sought to analyse potential pollinators of both plants during visits to their flowers in a restinga area in Bahia. The flowering displayed by both species was considered continuous and long duration, constantly providing pollen to floral visitors. C. ovalifolia was visited by 17 species of bees and C. ramosa by 16 species, predominantly from the Apidae family (with a similarity index of 74 percent). The behavior displayed by these visiting bees was of vibrating anthers. The small-sized Euglossa sp. Latreille, 1802 and Florilegus similis Urban, 1970 bees played less of a role as pollinators, since they rarely touched the flower stigma during harvests and were thus considered opportunist visitors or casual pollinators. Centris decolorata Lepetier, 1841 (= C. leprieuri) and Xylocopa subcyanea Perez, 1901 are large bees and were considered efficient pollinators of C. ovalifolia and C. ramosa because of the higher frequency and constancy of their visits, and their favourable behaviour and size for pollen transfer between flowers, which guarantees the survival of these native restinga plant species.

Comolia ovalifolia (Melastomataceae) e Chamaecrista ramosa (Leguminosae - Caesalpinioideae) são espécies de plantas tropicais que ocorrem na restinga. Estas plantas apresentam flores com anteras poricidas e são polinizadas por abelhas. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os polinizadores potenciais de ambas as plantas durante as visitas nas flores em uma área de restinga da Bahia. O florescimento apresentado por ambas as espécies foi considerado contínuo e de longa duração, oferecendo sempre pólen para os visitantes florais. C. ovalifolia foi visitada por 17 espécies de abelhas e C. ramosa por 16 espécies, com predominância da família Apidae (índice de similaridade de 74 por cento). As abelhas visitantes destas flores apresentavam o comportamento de vibrar as anteras. O papel das abelhas de pequeno porte como Euglossa sp. e Florilegus similis, como polinizadores, era pequeno, pois raramente tocavam o estigma das flores durante as coletas, sendo consideradas visitantes oportunistas ou polinizadores casuais. Centris decolorata e Xylocopa subcyanea, são abelhas grandes, e foram consideradas polinizadores eficientes de C. ovalifolia e C. ramosa, por apresentarem elevada frequência e constância de visitas nestas plantas, e comportamento e porte favoráveis à transferência do pólen entre as flores, o que garante a sobrevivência destas espécies de plantas nativas da restinga.

Floral preferences and climate influence in nectar and pollen foraging by Melipona rufiventris Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Meliponini) in Ubatuba, São Paulo state, Brazil

We describe the environment effects on the amount and quality of resources collected by Melipona rufiventris Lepeletier in the Atlantic Forest at Ubatuba city, São Paulo state, Brazil (44º48'W, 23º22'S). Bees carrying pollen and/or nectar were captured at nest entrances during 5 min every hour, from sunrise to sunset, once a month. Pollen loads were counted and saved for acetolysis. Nectar was collected, the volume was determined and the total dissolved solids were determined by refractometer. Air temperature, relative humidity and light intensity were also registered. The number of pollen loads reached its maximum value between 70 percent and 90 percent of relative humidity and 18ºC and 23ºC; for nectar loads this range was broader, 50-90 percent and 20-30ºC. The number of pollen loads increased as relative humidity rose (rs = 0.401; P < 0.01) and high temperatures had a strong negative influence on the number of pollen loads collected (rs = -0.228; P < 0.01). The number of nectar loads positively correlated with temperature (rs = 0.244; P < 0.01) and light intensity (rs = 0.414; P < 0.01). The percentage of total dissolved solids (TDS) on nectar loads positively correlated with temperature and light intensity (rs = 0.361; P < 0.01 and rs = 0.245; P < 0.01), negatively correlated with relative humidity (rs = -0.629; P < 0.01), and it increased along the day. Most nectar loads had TDS between 11 percent and 30 percent, with an average of 24.7 percent. The volume measures did not show any pattern. Important pollen sources were Sapindaceae, Anacardiaceae, Rubiaceae, Arecaceae, Solanaceae and Myrtaceae; nectar sources were Sapindaceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Arecaceae and Solanaceae.

MORFOLOGIA EXTERNA DA OPERÁRIA DE Lestrimelitta ehrhardti (FRIESE, 1931) (HYMENOPTERA: MELIPONINI). / Worker External Morphology of Lestrimelitta ehrhardti (Friese, 1931) (Hymenoptera: Meliponini). / Morfología externa de la obrera de Lestrimelitta ehrhardti (Friese, 1931) (Hymenoptera: Meliponini).

Operárias de Lestrimelitta ehrhardti (Friese, 1931) foram estudadas, a partir de um grande número de exemplares coletados no município de Castro, Paraná, Brasil. Os espécimes foram descritos morfologicamente, medidos e ilustrados.

Workers of Lestrimelitta ehrhardti (Friese, 1931) were studied based on a great number of individuals collected in the municipality of Castro, Paraná State, Brazil. The specimens were described morphologically, measured and illustrated.

Se estudió un gran número de obreras de Lestrimelitta ehrhardti (Friese, 1931) colectadas en el municipio de Castro, Paraná, Brasil. Los especímenes fueran descritos morfológicamente, medidos e ilustrados.