Orchid bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossini) assemblages from three different threatened phytophysiognomies of the subtropical Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Abstract

Euglossine bees were sampled in three different phytophysiognomies [Rainforest (RF), Mixed Forest (MF) and Seasonal Semi-Deciduous Forest (SF)] of Brazilian Atlantic Forest (AF). In this study, euglossine males attracted to eight synthetic scent baits were captured with an entomological net. Results revealed different euglossine bee assemblages associated with three AF ecosystems surveyed. A higher richness (14 spp.) of euglossines was found in the RF, followed by SF (seven spp.) and MF (three spp.) forests. Surprisingly, despite the short distance between MF and SF and that both forest remnants were located in the same studied region and under the same climatic conditions, the species richness detected was lower in MF than in SF. The present study contribute to greater knowledge of euglossine assemblages in remnants of Atlantic Forest areas composed of MF, SF and RF, helping to further understand how the structure of these bee assemblages can vary significantly at the local and/or regional level. In addition, our findings also represent a contribution to the understanding to the orchid bee biogeography.