Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of smoke from different plant products on the defensive behavior of tiuba bees (Melipona compressipes fasciculata Smith, 1854). The experiment was carried out in a meliponary with 12 colonies with equity regarding the biological development. The following treatments were applied to the colonies weekly: smokeless, sawdust (100% of the smoker), eucalyptus (50%) + sawdust (50%) and sawdust with 2 suber fragments, the dry bark of Amburana cearensis (Allemao) A.C.Sm.. Regarding the development of the colonies, it was observed that the use of smoke did not change the number of brood cells nor the number of pollen and honey storage cells in the colonies. Regarding the number of bees adhering to gloves and headband, it was observed that colonies managed without smoke were more defensive compared to the other ones (p ≤ 0,05). It was concluded that the use of smoke (100% sawdust in the smoker) decreased the defensive behavior of tiuba bees, being an alternative in the meliponiculture management since it does not interfere negatively in the colonies development of the colonies.
Highlights
Regarding the number of species and behavior, bees are the most diverse group among the insects of the order Hymenoptera
The most popular species of bees in Brazil are the ones belonging to the subtribe Meliponina, the species of this subtribe are usually known as stingless bees, indigenous bees, native bees, or meliponines
It was observed that the defensive behavior in tiubas bees was significantly higher (p≤0.05) in colonies where there was no smoke application with an average number of bees adhered (NB) to the observer's gloves and felt headband of 38.58%
Summary
Regarding the number of species and behavior, bees are the most diverse group among the insects of the order Hymenoptera. According to Michener (2007), there are approximately 20,000 species that can be classified into three distinct categories: solitary, parasite and colony bees. Meliponines, as well as bees belonging to the Apis genus, such as Apis mellifera, sting bees (the workers of this species have strategies for the defense of colonies such as the use of a barbed stinger with a poison gland), are able to efficiently fend off threats to the colony. These mechanisms are distinct, the defense behavior is essential for the survival of the colony. According to Oliveira et al (2013), despite having the stunted sting (vestigial) and having lost the ability to sting, the meliponines have different defense mechanisms such as: entering the intruders' noses and ears, depositing plant resins or caustic substances on their hair, and even cause injuries, biting parts of the body such as arms, eyes and legs
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