Long-term male aggregations of Euglossa melanotricha moure (Hymenoptera: Apidae) on fern fronds Serpocaulon triseriale (Pteridophyta: Polypodiaceae)
Neotrop. entomol
; 40(5): 548-552, Sept.-Oct. 2011. ilus, graf
Article
in En
| LILACS
| ID: lil-604481
Responsible library:
BR1.1
ABSTRACT
A communal dormitory of male orchid bees, Euglossa melanotricha Moure, was monitored over a one-year period, when they passed the night in the fronds of a Serpocaulon triseriale (Polypodiaceae) fern. The bees used the same fronds continuously, moving to neighboring fronds as senescence set in. As many as 49 males were observed together on any one night, clinging to the midribs on the abaxial surface of up to five fern blades with their mandibles. A number of males returned to the same site to pass the night continuously over a number of months, and were observed making physical contact with one another without provoking agonistic behavior. Males of E. melanotricha appeared to prefer sleeping at sites close to nests and potential sources of odoriferous essences, such as orchids (Orchidaceae).
Key words
Full text:
1
Index:
LILACS
Main subject:
Bees
/
Polypodiaceae
/
Homing Behavior
Limits:
Animals
Country/Region as subject:
America do sul
/
Brasil
Language:
En
Journal:
Neotrop. entomol
Journal subject:
BIOLOGIA
/
ZOOLOGIA
Year:
2011
Type:
Article