Observations on the founding of a new colony by Trigona cupira (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Costa Rica

Abstract

New colonies of Trigona (Partamona) eupira Smith, the most common bee in Mesoamerica, are founded in progressive stages and not in one swarming as those of the honey bee, as observed in Costa Rica. Pollen was collected in the field during the first three months, and not transported from the mother nest. Daily observations during six months showed that while the ambient temperature fluctuated between 15 and 28 C, and between 15 and 46 C on the outside of the nest proper, the temperature in the brood chamber was almost constant (23 - 29 C). Although the connection between the two nests lasted six months, the longest recorded among the Meliponidae, dependence of the daughter nest during that period was usually less than 50 % and in some instances less than 10%.