Age polyethism in Plebeia emerina (Friese) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies related to propolis handling
Neotrop. entomol
;
39(5): 691-696, Sept.-Oct. 2010. ilus, graf, tab
Artigo
em Inglês
| LILACS
| ID: lil-566203
ABSTRACT
Stingless bees collect plant resins and make it into propolis, although they have a wider range of use for this material than do honey bees (Apis spp.). Plebeia spp. workers employ propolis mixed with wax (cerumen) for constructing and sealing nest structures, while they use viscous (sticky) propolis for defense by applying it onto their enemies. Isolated viscous propolis deposits are permanently maintained at the interior of their colonies, as also seen in other Meliponini species. Newly-emerged Plebeia emerina (Friese) workers were observed stuck to and unable to escape these viscous propolis stores. We examined the division of labor involved in propolis manipulation, by observing marked bees of known age in four colonies of P. emerina from southern Brazil. Activities on brood combs, the nest involucrum and food pots were observed from the first day of life of the marked bees. However, work on viscous propolis deposits did not begin until the 13th day of age and continued until the 56th day (maximum lifespan in our sample). Although worker bees begin to manipulate cerumen early, they seem to be unable to handle viscous propolis till they become older.
Texto completo:
DisponíveL
Índice:
LILACS (Américas)
Assunto principal:
Própole
/
Comportamento Social
/
Abelhas
Limite:
Animais
Idioma:
Inglês
Revista:
Neotrop. entomol
Assunto da revista:
Biologia
/
ZOOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2010
Tipo de documento:
Artigo
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