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.

Pollination of the strongly scented Sarcoglottis acaulis (Orchidaceae) by male orchid bees: nectar as resource instead of perfume.

The Neotropical orchid genus Sarcoglottis comprises ~40 species, which emit strong floral scents, presumably involved in pollinator attraction. Information on basic aspects of its natural history is scant, with the few studies available so far pointing to nectar-seeking orchid bees as pollinators. Here, we investigated the reproductive biology of Sarcoglottis acaulis, addressing the ecological meaning of its floral scent. In Atlantic Forest fragments of NE Brazil, we described the floral biology, determined the breeding system and recorded the pollinators of S. acaulis. Additionally, we chemically characterized its floral scent and assessed its role on pollinator attraction. Although self-compatible, S. acaulis depends on pollinators to boost fruit set. Male orchid bees of Eulaema atleticana and E. niveofasciata were the only recorded pollinators. They foraged for nectar only, in spite of the strong scent emitted by S. acaulis flowers. The floral scent is composed of six compounds, of which geraniol and nerol elicited electroantennographic responses in Eulaema bees. A synthetic mixture of these compounds attracted Eulaema bees in field assays but did not trigger the stereotyped scent-gathering behaviour. The floral scent of S. acaulis acts in signalling and nectar is the sole reward for pollinators. Despite the low pollinator frequency, S. acaulis shows a high fruit set (77%), particularly when compared to other orchids. Attributes such as pollinia that release small pollen loads, allowing a single pollinia-carrying bee to pollinate several flowers, low amount of nectar, steady-state flowering and traplining behaviour of pollinators, might act together to assure this outstanding fruit set.

Overlap of Ecological Niche Breadth of Euglossa cordata and Eulaema nigrita (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Euglossini) Accessed by Pollen Loads and Species Distribution Modeling.

Urban areas can serve as biodiversity refuges for pollinators because of the high diversity of available floral and nesting resources. However, it remains unclear what plant species commonly used for urban landscaping provide floral resources that pollinators actively use. Here, we integrate data from the pollen and species distribution models of two abundant euglossine bees-the large-bodied Eulaema nigrita (Lepeletier, 1841) and the small-bodied Euglossa cordata (Linnaeus, 1758)-in urban areas to investigate their overlap in diet breadth and distribution. We hypothesized that because bees with larger body sizes tend to have larger foraging areas, large-bodied bees would have a wider diet breath than small-bodied bees. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found that Eg. cordata has a wider diet breadth than El. nigrita with the former species showing higher diversity of pollen types collected (per pollen load and on average across pollen loads). Pollen grains from Solanum paniculatum and Tradescantia zebrina represented 63% of the diet of Eg. cordata, whereas pollen from S. paniculatum and Psidium guajava represented 87% of the diet of El. nigrita. After overlaying the distribution of both bee species and the three most important pollen resources, the distribution models revealed that these three plant species can co-occur with both euglossine bees throughout a large portion of eastern Brazil near the coast. Thus, we conclude S. paniculatum, T. zebrina, and P. guajava should be considered key plants for the maintenance of these two urban euglossine bee species. The results of this study provide important information for urban landscaping programs that aim to protect and preserve pollinators.

Subtle Chemical Variations with Strong Ecological Significance: Stereoselective Responses of Male Orchid Bees to Stereoisomers of Carvone Epoxide.

Different enantiomers of chiral compounds within floral perfumes usually trigger distinct responses in insects; however, this has frequently been neglected in studies investigating semiochemicals in plant-pollinator interactions. Approximately 1000 neotropical plants produce floral perfumes as the only reward for pollinators, i.e. male euglossine bees. The chiral compound carvone epoxide is a key component of the scent bouquet of many perfume-rewarding plants that are pollinated by males of Eulaema. Here, we tested the biological activity of the four carvone epoxide stereoisomers to four Eulaema species occurring in the Atlantic Rainforest of NE-Brazil. We determined the stereochemistry of carvone epoxide in the floral scent of several Catasetum species, tested whether the antennae of bees respond differentially to these stereoisomers and investigated if there is a behavioural preference for any of the stereoisomers. We found that 1) Catasetum species emit only the (-)-trans-stereoisomer of carvone epoxide, 2) for E. atleticana and E. niveofasciata antennal responses to the (-)-trans-carvone epoxide were significantly stronger than those to (-)-cis-carvone epoxide, 3) the strength and pattern of antennal responses to all 4 stereoisomers (separately tested) did not differ among Eulaema species, and 4) there were significant differences in attractiveness of the four stereoisomers to the bees species with the (-)-trans-stereoisomer being particularly attractive. We assume (-)-trans-carvone epoxide to be the dominant isomer in perfume-rewarding plants pollinated by Eulaema. The universal occurrence of carvone epoxide in Catasetum species pollinated by Eulaema, suggests that this compound has evolved in perfume-rewarding as a specific attractant for Eulaema bees as pollinators.

Pollination ecology of the Neotropical gesneriad Gloxinia perennis: chemical composition and temporal fluctuation of floral perfume.

Although common among orchids, pollination by perfume-gathering male euglossine bees is quite rare in other Neotropical families. In Gesneriaceae, for example, it is reported in two genera only, Drymonia and Gloxinia. Flowers of G. perennis are known to emit perfume, thereby attracting male euglossine bees as pollinators. However, detailed reports on the pollination ecology, as well as on chemistry of floral perfume of individuals in natural populations, are still missing. In this study, we report on the pollination ecology of G. perennis, focusing on the ecological significance of its floral perfume. In natural populations in Peru, we documented the floral biology and breeding system of G. perennis, as well as its interaction with flower visitors. We also characterised the chemical composition of floral perfume, as well as its timing of emission. Gloxinia perennis is self-compatible and natural pollination success is high. Spontaneous self-pollination occurs as a 'just in case strategy' when pollinators are scarce. Perfume-collecting males of Eulaema cingulata and El. meriana were identified as pollinators. The perfume bouquet of G. perennis consists of 16 compounds. (E)-Carvone epoxide (41%) and limonene (23%) are the major constituents. Perfume emission is higher at 09:00 h, matching the activity peak of Eulaema pollinators. Flowers of G. perennis have evolved a mixed strategy to ensure pollination (i.e. self- and cross-pollination), but cross-pollination is favoured. The size and behaviour of Eulaema males enables only these bees to successfully cross-pollinate G. perennis. Furthermore, G. perennis floral perfume traits (i.e. chemistry and timing of emission) have evolved to optimise the attraction of these bees.

Orchid Bee (Apidae: Euglossini) Communities in Atlantic Forest Remnants and Restored Areas in Paraná State, Brazil.

In this study, we compare orchid bee communities surveyed in four forest remnants of the Atlantic Forest and four reforested areas characterized by seasonal semi-deciduous forest vegetation in different successional stages (mature and secondary vegetation), located in southern Brazil. The sizes of forest remnants and reforested areas varied from 32.1 to 583.9 ha and from 11.3 to 33.3 ha, respectively. All reforested areas were located near one forest remnant. During samplings, totaling nine per study area, euglossine males were attracted to eight scent baits and captured with bait trap and entomological nets. Each forest remnant and its respective reforested area were sampled simultaneously by two collectors. We collected 435 males belonging to nine species of orchid bees distributed in four genera. The number of individuals and species did not differ significantly between different areas, except for a reforested area (size 33.3 ha), which was located far from its respective forest remnant. Our findings also revealed an apparent association between an orchid bee species (Euglossa annectans Dressler 1982) and the most preserved area surveyed in our study, suggesting that this bee is a potential indicator of good habitat quality in recuperating or preserved areas. Our results suggest that reforested habitats located near forest remnants have a higher probability of having reinstated their euglossine communities.

Evolution and diversity of floral scent chemistry in the euglossine bee-pollinated orchid genus Gongora.

UNLABELLED: • BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Animal-pollinated angiosperms have evolved a variety of signalling mechanisms to attract pollinators. Floral scent is a key component of pollinator attraction, and its chemistry modulates both pollinator behaviour and the formation of plant-pollinator networks. The neotropical orchid genus Gongora exhibits specialized pollinator associations with male orchid bees (Euglossini). Male bees visit orchid flowers to collect volatile chemical compounds that they store in hind-leg pouches to use subsequently during courtship display. Hence, Gongora floral scent compounds simultaneously serve as signalling molecules and pollinator rewards. Furthermore, because floral scent acts as the predominant reproductive isolating barrier among lineages, it has been hypothesized that chemical traits are highly species specific. A comparative analysis of intra- and inter-specific variation of floral scent chemistry was conducted to investigate the evolutionary patterns across the genus. • METHODS: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyse the floral scent of 78 individuals belonging to 28 different species of Gongora from two of the three major lineages sampled across the neotropical region. Multidimensional scaling and indicator value analyses were implemented to investigate the patterns of chemical diversity within and among taxonomic groups at various geographic scales. Additionally, pollinator observations were conducted on a sympatric community of Gongora orchids exhibiting distinct floral scent phenotypes. • KEY RESULTS: A total of 83 floral volatiles, mainly terpenes and aromatic compounds, were detected. Many of the identified compounds are common across diverse angiosperm families (e.g. cineole, eugenol, ß-ocimene, ß-pinene and terpinen-4-ol), while others are relatively rare outside euglossine bee-pollinated orchid lineages. Additionally, 29 volatiles were identified that are known to attract and elicit collection behaviour in male bees. Floral scent traits were less variable within species than between species, and the analysis revealed exceptional levels of cryptic diversity. Gongora species were divided into 15 fragrance groups based on shared compounds. Fragrance groups indicate that floral scent variation is not predicted by taxonomic rank or biogeographic region. • CONCLUSIONS: Gongora orchids emit a diverse array of scent molecules that are largely species specific, and closely related taxa exhibit qualitatively and quantitatively divergent chemical profiles. It is shown that within a community, Gongora scent chemotypes are correlated with near non-overlapping bee pollinator assemblies. The results lend support to the hypothesis that floral scent traits regulate the architecture of bee pollinator associations. Thus, Gongora provides unique opportunities to examine the interplay between floral traits and pollinator specialization in plant-pollinator mutualisms.

Sampling a biodiversity hotspot: the orchid-bee fauna (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of Tarapoto, northeastern Peru, the richest and most diverse site of the Neotropics

The orchid-bee fauna of the region of Tarapoto, northeastern Peru, was surveyed using seventeen different scents as baits to attract orchid-bee males. Six hundred and fifty-nine males belonging to 41 species were actively collected with insect nets during 120 hours in late July and early August, 2012. Euglossa dressleriMoure, 1968, Euglossa laurensiBembé, 2008, and Euglossa maculilabrisMoure, 1968, three species belonging to the Euglossa cybelia species-group, are here reported for Peru for the first time. Previous sporadic and unpublished samplings in the area recorded eleven additional species. With 53 species, the region of Tarapoto can be considered the richest single site in the Neotropics for orchid bees. Diversity, estimated with the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H = 3.02), was also the highest ever recorded for orchid bees.

A fauna de abelhas euglossinas da região de Tarapoto, nordeste do Peru, foi amostrada com o uso de dezessete diferentes iscas aromáticas para atrair machos dessas abelhas. Seiscentos e cinquenta e nove machos pertencentes a 41 espécies foram coletados com rede entomológica durante 120 horas de amostragem no final de julho e início de agosto de 2012. Euglossa dressleriMoure, 1968, Euglossa laurensiBembé, 2008, e Euglossa maculilabrisMoure, 1968, três espécies pertencentes ao grupo Euglossa cybelia, foram registradas para o Peru pela primeira vez. Amostragens esporádicas prévias na área, não publicadas, registraram a ocorrência de doze espécies adicionais, não amostradas no presente estudo. Com 53 espécies registradas, a região de Tarapoto torna-se a área mais rica conhecida em abelhas euglossinas em toda a região Neotropical. A diversidade, estimada pelo índice de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener (H = 3,02), é também a mais alta já registrada para esse grupo de abelhas.

Is the Centro de Endemismo Pernambuco a biodiversity hotspot for orchid bees?

The orchid-bee faunas (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossina) of the three largest forest remnants in the Centro de Endemismo Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil, namely Estação Ecológica de Murici (ESEC Murici), RPPN Frei Caneca, and a forest preserve belonging to Usina Serra Grande, in the states of Alagoas and Pernambuco, were surveyed using seventeen different scents as baits to attract orchid-bee males. Eight sites were established in the three preserves, where samplings were carried out using two protocols: insect netting and bait trapping. We collected 3,479 orchid-bee males belonging to 29 species during 160 hours in early October, 2012. Seven species were collected in the Centro de Endemismo Pernambuco for the first time. Richness proved to be one of the highest of the entire Atlantic Forest domain, and diversity in some sites, especially at ESEC Murici, revealed to be one of the highest in the Neotropics. Eulaema felipei Nemésio, 2010, a species previously recorded only at ESEC Murici, was found in no other preserve in the region and its conservation status is discussed.

As faunas de abelhas-das-orquídeas (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossina) dos três maiores remanescentes florestais do Centro de Endemismo Pernambuco, nordeste do Brazil, sendo elas a Estação Ecológica de Murici (ESEC Murici), a RPPN Frei Caneca e um remanescente florestal pertencente à Usina Serra Grande, foram amostradas com o uso de dezessete diferentes iscas aromáticas para atrair machos dessas abelhas. Oito sítios amostrais foram selecionados nas três áreas, onde amostragens foram realizadas sob duas metodologias: coleta ativa com rede entomológica e coleta com armadilhas. Foram coletados 3.479 machos de abelhas euglossinas durante 160 horas no início de outubro de 2012. Sete espécies foram registradas no Centro de Endemismo Pernambuco pela primeira vez. A riqueza da região se mostrou uma das mais altas de toda a Mata Atlântica, e a diversidade em alguns locais, especialmente na ESEC Murici, revelou-se uma das mais altas de toda a região Neotropical. Eulaema felipei Nemésio, 2010, uma espécie que só havia sido registrada na ESEC Murici, não foi encontrada em nenhuma outra área e seu estado de conservação é discutido.

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.

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.

Is the “Centro de Endemismo Pernambuco” a biodiversity hotspot for orchid bees? / O Centro de Endemismo Pernambuco é um ‘hotspot’ de biodiversidade para abelhas-das-orquídeas?

The orchid-bee faunas (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossina) of the three largest forest remnants in the “Centro de Endemismo Pernambuco”, northeastern Brazil, namely Estação Ecológica de Murici (ESEC Murici), RPPN Frei Caneca, and a forest preserve belonging to Usina Serra Grande, in the states of Alagoas and Pernambuco, were surveyed using seventeen different scents as baits to attract orchid-bee males. Eight sites were established in the three preserves, where samplings were carried out using two protocols: insect netting and bait trapping. We collected 3,479 orchid-bee males belonging to 29 species during 160 hours in early October, 2012. Seven species were collected in the “Centro de Endemismo Pernambuco” for the first time. Richness proved to be one of the highest of the entire Atlantic Forest domain, and diversity in some sites, especially at ESEC Murici, revealed to be one of the highest in the Neotropics. Eulaema felipei Nemésio, 2010, a species previously recorded only at ESEC Murici, was found in no other preserve in the region and its conservation status is discussed.

As faunas de abelhas-das-orquídeas (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossina) dos três maiores remanescentes florestais do Centro de Endemismo Pernambuco, nordeste do Brazil, sendo elas a Estação Ecológica de Murici (ESEC Murici), a RPPN Frei Caneca e um remanescente florestal pertencente à Usina Serra Grande, foram amostradas com o uso de dezessete diferentes iscas aromáticas para atrair machos dessas abelhas. Oito sítios amostrais foram selecionados nas três áreas, onde amostragens foram realizadas sob duas metodologias: coleta ativa com rede entomológica e coleta com armadilhas. Foram coletados 3.479 machos de abelhas euglossinas durante 160 horas no início de outubro de 2012. Sete espécies foram registradas no Centro de Endemismo Pernambuco pela primeira vez. A riqueza da região se mostrou uma das mais altas de toda a Mata Atlântica, e a diversidade em alguns locais, especialmente na ESEC Murici, revelou-se uma das mais altas de toda a região Neotropical. Eulaema felipei Nemésio, 2010, uma espécie que só havia sido registrada na ESEC Murici, não foi encontrada em nenhuma outra área e seu estado de conservação é discutido.

Sampling a biodiversity hotspot: the orchid-bee fauna (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of Tarapoto, northeastern Peru, the richest and most diverse site of the Neotropics / Amostrando um ‘hotspot’ de biodiversidade: a fauna de abelhas-das-orquídeas (Hymenoptera: Apidae) de Tarapoto, nordeste do Peru, a área mais rica e diversa da região Neotropical

The orchid-bee fauna of the region of Tarapoto, northeastern Peru, was surveyed using seventeen different scents as baits to attract orchid-bee males. Six hundred and fifty-nine males belonging to 41 species were actively collected with insect nets during 120 hours in late July and early August, 2012. Euglossa dressleri Moure, 1968, Euglossa laurensi Bembé, 2008, and Euglossa maculilabris Moure, 1968, three species belonging to the Euglossa cybelia species-group, are here reported for Peru for the first time. Previous sporadic and unpublished samplings in the area recorded eleven additional species. With 53 species, the region of Tarapoto can be considered the richest single site in the Neotropics for orchid bees. Diversity, estimated with the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H′ = 3.02), was also the highest ever recorded for orchid bees.

A fauna de abelhas euglossinas da região de Tarapoto, nordeste do Peru, foi amostrada com o uso de dezessete diferentes iscas aromáticas para atrair machos dessas abelhas. Seiscentos e cinquenta e nove machos pertencentes a 41 espécies foram coletados com rede entomológica durante 120 horas de amostragem no final de julho e início de agosto de 2012. Euglossa dressleri Moure, 1968, Euglossa laurensi Bembé, 2008, e Euglossa maculilabris Moure, 1968, três espécies pertencentes ao grupo Euglossa cybelia, foram registradas para o Peru pela primeira vez. Amostragens esporádicas prévias na área, não publicadas, registraram a ocorrência de doze espécies adicionais, não amostradas no presente estudo. Com 53 espécies registradas, a região de Tarapoto torna-se a área mais rica conhecida em abelhas euglossinas em toda a região Neotropical. A diversidade, estimada pelo índice de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener (H′ = 3,02), é também a mais alta já registrada para esse grupo de abelhas.

Climate, physiological tolerance and sex-biased dispersal shape genetic structure of Neotropical orchid bees.

Understanding the impact of past climatic events on the demographic history of extant species is critical for predicting species' responses to future climate change. Palaeoclimatic instability is a major mechanism of lineage diversification in taxa with low dispersal and small geographical ranges in tropical ecosystems. However, the impact of these climatic events remains questionable for the diversification of species with high levels of gene flow and large geographical distributions. In this study, we investigate the impact of Pleistocene climate change on three Neotropical orchid bee species (Eulaema bombiformis, E. meriana and E. cingulata) with transcontinental distributions and different physiological tolerances. We first generated ecological niche models to identify species-specific climatically stable areas during Pleistocene climatic oscillations. Using a combination of mitochondrial and nuclear markers, we inferred calibrated phylogenies and estimated historical demographic parameters to reconstruct the phylogeographical history of each species. Our results indicate species with narrower physiological tolerance experienced less suitable habitat during glaciations and currently exhibit strong population structure in the mitochondrial genome. However, nuclear markers with low and high mutation rates show lack of association with geography. These results combined with lower migration rate estimates from the mitochondrial than the nuclear genome suggest male-biased dispersal. We conclude that despite large effective population sizes and capacity for long-distance dispersal, climatic instability is an important mechanism of maternal lineage diversification in orchid bees. Thus, these Neotropical pollinators are susceptible to disruption of genetic connectivity in the event of large-scale climatic changes.

The orchid-bee faunas (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of ?Reserva Ecológica Michelin?, ?RPPN Serra Bonita? and one Atlantic Forest remnant in the state of Bahia, Brazil, with new geographic records / A fauna de abelhas-das-orquídeas (Hymenoptera: Apidae) da Reserva Ecológica Michelin, RPPN Serra Bonita e um remanescente florestal de Mata Atlântica no baixo sul da Bahia, Brasil, com novos registros geográficos

The orchid bee faunas of two private natural preserves, ‘Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural da Serra Bonita’ (RSB) and ‘Reserva Ecológica Michelin’ (REM), and a forest fragment inside the campus of the ‘Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz’, were surveyed for the first time. All three areas constitute Atlantic Forest remnants in the southern portion of the state of Bahia, Brazil. A total of 1,782 males belonging to 32 species were actively collected with insect nets during 90 hours of field work from November, 2009, to January, 2012. Euglossa cyanochlora Moure, 1996—one of the rarest orchid bee species—was found at RSB and REM, the latter representing the northernmost record for this species. Euglossa cognata, Moure, 1970 was found at RSB, the northernmost record for this species in the Atlantic Forest and the only recent record for this species at the northern border of Jequitinhonha river.

As faunas de abelhas-das-orquídeas de duas áreas florestais privadas, a Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural da Serra Bonita (RSB) e a Reserva Ecológica Michelin (REM), e de um remanescente florestal na área do campus da Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, foram amostradas pela primeira vez. Um total de 1.782 machos pertencentes a 32 espécies foi coletado com o auxílio de redes entomológicas durante 90 horas de esforço amostral entre Novembro de 2009 e Janeiro de 2012. Euglossa cyanochlora Moure, 1996—uma das espécies mais raras de Euglossina—foi coletada na RSB e na REM, esse último local representando o registro mais ao norte dessa espécie. Euglossa cognata, Moure, 1970 foi coletada na RSB, sendo esse o registro mais ao norte dessa espécie na Mata Atlântica e, também, o único registro recente da espécie ao norte do rio Jequitinhonha.

No Evidence of Habitat Loss Affecting the Orchid Bees Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier and Eufriesea auriceps Friese (Apidae: Euglossini) in the Brazilian Cerrado Savanna.

Habitat loss, landscape fragmentation, and agriculture intensification constitute the main threats to bees. As the organisms responsible for almost one third of the food produced worldwide, there are growing concerns on bees' response to human-related disturbances. Among all bee groups, orchid bees (Apidae: Euglossini) compose an interesting group to test landscape-related hypotheses. In here, we tested the effect of landscape features (amount of anthropic areas and isolation) on the probability of occurrence and the abundances of both Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier and Eufriesea auriceps Friese in the Cerrado savanna. In general, we did not observe any effect of landscape features on the probability of occurrence and abundances of both species in our sampling sites. Given their potential high dispersal abilities, these bee species may be less sensitive to fragmented landscapes or even positively affected by the increase of anthropic habitats. Since we sampled many E. nigrita specimens in highly preserved Cerrado savanna areas, we believe that at least for this biome, this species may not be a good indicator of landscape disturbance.

The orchid-bee fauna (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of RPPN Feliciano Miguel Abdala revisited: relevant changes in community composition / A fauna de abelhas-das-orquideas (Hymenoptera: Apidae) da RPPN Feliciano Miguel Abdala revisitada: mudancas relevantes na composicao da comunidade

The orchid-bee fauna of ‘Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Feliciano Miguel Abdala’, a 957-ha preserve of Atlantic Forest in eastern Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, was surveyed 12 years after the first inventory in the area. Orchid-bee males were actively collected with insect nets when attracted to seventeen chemical compounds used as scent baits. Three hundred and nineteen males belonging to nine species were collected during 40 hours in late December, 2011, when orchid bees are supposedly more active. Euglossa despecta Moure, 1968, one of the dominant species in the area 12 years ago, was not recorded in the present study. Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, 1841, on the other hand, represented only 16% of the collected bees in 1999 and 61% in the present study. Possible causes and consequences of these changes are discussed.

A fauna de abelhas-das-orquídeas da ‘Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Feliciano Miguel Abdala’, uma reserva de 957 ha de Mata Atlântica no leste de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil, foi amostrada doze anos após o primeiro inventário na área. Machos de abelhas euglossinas foram ativamente coletados com o uso de redes entomológicas quando atraídos a dezessete compostos aromáticos utilizados como iscas. Trezentos e dezenove machos pertencentes a nove espécies foram coletados durante 40 horas de amostragem no fim de dezembro de 2011, no período em que essas abelhas estão supostamente mais ativas. Euglossa despecta Moure, 1968, uma das espécies dominantes na área doze anos antes, não foi registrada no presente estudo. Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, 1841, por outro lado, representou apenas 16% das abelhas coletadas em 1999 e 61% no presente estudo. As possíveis causas e consequências dessas mudanças são discutidas.

The orchid-bee fauna (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of Reserva Biologica de Una', a hotspot in the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, eastern Brazil / A fauna de abelhas-das-orquideas (Hymenoptera: Apidae) da Reserva Biologica de Una', um hotspot' na Mata Atlantica do sul da Bahia, leste do Brasil

The orchid-bee fauna of ‘Reserva Biológica de Una' (REBIO Una), one of the largest Atlantic Forest remnants in southern Bahia, eastern Brazil, was surveyed for the first time. Baits with sixteen different scents were used to attract males of orchid bees. Eight hundred and fifty-nine males belonging to 26 species were actively collected with insect nets during 60 hours in January and February, 2009, and January, 2010. Euglossa avicula Dressler, 1982 and Euglossa milenae Bembé, 2007 have been recorded for the first time in the state of Bahia. It was found that REBIO Una has one of the most diverse and rich orchid-bee faunas of the entire Atlantic Forest domain and holds some rare species, such as Euglossa cyanochlora Moure, 1996.

A fauna de abelhas-das-orquídeas da Reserva Biológica de Una (REBIO Una), um dos maiores remanescentes de Mata Atlântica do sul da Bahia, leste do Brasil, foi amostrada pela primeira vez. Iscas com 16 diferentes fragrâncias atrativas a machos de abelhas-das-orquídeas foram utilizadas. Um número de 859 machos, pertencentes a 26 espécies, foi ativamente coletado com o auxílio de redes entomológicas, durante 60 horas, em janeiro e fevereiro de 2009, e janeiro de 2010. Euglossa avicula Dressler, 1982 e Euglossa milenae Bembé, 2007 foram registradas pela primeira vez no Estado da Bahia. A REBIO Una mostrou possuir uma das mais ricas e diversificadas faunas de abelhas-das-orquídeas de toda a Mata Atlântica, e abriga algumas espécies consideradas raras, como Euglossa cyanochlora Moure, 1996.

The orchid-bee faunas (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of Parque Nacional do Monte Pascoal', Parque Nacional do Descobrimento' and three other Atlantic Forest remnants in southern Bahia, eastern Brazil / A fauna de abelhas-das-orquideas (Hymenoptera: Apidae) do Parque Nacional do Monte Pascoal, do Parque Nacional do Descobrimento e de tres outros remanescentes de Mata Atlantica no sul da Bahia, leste do Brasil

The orchid-bee faunas of ‘Parque Nacional do Monte Pascoal', ‘Parque Nacional do Descobrimento' and three other Atlantic Forest remnants ranging from 1 to 300 ha in southern Bahia, eastern Brazil, were surveyed. Baits with seventeen different scents were used to attract orchid-bee males. Four thousand seven hundred and sixty-four males belonging to 36 species were actively collected with insect nets during 300 hours from November, 2008 to November, 2009. Richness and diversity of orchid bees found in this study are the highest ever recorded in the Atlantic Forest domain. Eufriesea dentilabris (Mocsáry, 1897) and Eufriesea violacea (Blanchard, 1840) were collected at the ‘Parque Nacional do Monte Pascoal', the first record of these species for the state of Bahia and the northernmost record for both species. Females Exaerete dentata (Linnaeus, 1758) were also collected at ‘Parque Nacional do Monte Pascoal' and old records of Eufriesea aeneiventris (Mocsáry, 1896) in this area makes this site the richest and most diverse concerning its orchid-bee fauna in the entire Atlantic Forest and similar to areas in the Amazon Basin.

As faunas de abelhas-das-orquídeas do Parque Nacional do Monte Pascoal, do Parque Nacional do Descobrimento e de três outros fragmentos de Mata Atlântica, com áreas de um a trezentos hectares, foram amostradas no sul da Bahia, leste do Brasil. Iscas com 17 diferentes fragrâncias atrativas a machos de abelhas-das-orquídeas foram utilizadas. Um total de 4.764 machos, pertencentes a 36 espécies, foram ativamente coletados com o auxílio de redes entomológicas durante 300 horas, entre novembro de 2008 e novembro de 2009. A riqueza e a diversidade de abelhas euglossinas encontradas no presente estudo são as mais altas já registradas em todo o domínio da Mata Atlântica. Eufriesea dentilabris (Mocsáry, 1897) e Eufriesea violacea (Blanchard, 1840) foram coletadas no Parque Nacional do Monte Pascoal, sendo estes os primeiros registros dessas espécies no Estado da Bahia e também o registro mais ao norte conhecido para ambas. Fêmeas de Exaerete dentata (Linnaeus, 1758) também foram coletadas no Parque Nacional do Monte Pascoal e antigos registros de Eufriesea aeneiventris (Mocsáry, 1896) neste sítio fazem deste Parque a área com a maior riqueza e a maior diversidade de abelhas euglossinas de toda a Mata Atlântica, mostrando-se similar a áreas da Bacia Amazônica.