Population dynamics of euglossinae bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in an early second-growth forest of Cajual Island, in the state of Maranhão, Brazil.

F S Silva,J M M Rebêlo

doi:10.1590/s1519-69842002000100003

F S Silva, J M M Rebêlo

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1519-69842002000100003

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Abstract

A study was conducted in an early second-growth forest aiming at knowing the richness, relative abundance, seasonal distribution, and hourly frequency of euglossine bees, and their association with scent baits. Male bees were attracted to cineole, vanillin, methyl salicylate, and eugenol. The baits were hooked 1.5 m high and 6 m from one another. The specimens were collected from December 1997 to November 1998, once a month, from 7:00 to 17:00 h. A total of 339 male euglossine bees were caught, accounting for 19 species and four genera. The most common species was E. cordata, making up 69.9% of the individuals, followed by E. truncata (2.3%), E. violaceifrons, and E. smaragdina (2.1%). The most attractive scent was cineole, which baited 87% of the specimens and 73.7% of the species. Vanillin, the second most visited bait, eured 7.6% of the specimens and 26.3% of the species. E. surinamensis was only collected with this bait. Methyl salicylate and eugenol baited combined 2.6% of the specimens. However, by species numbers Methyl salicylate attracted 21% whereas eugenol was attractive for 15.8% of them. In general, the species were more abundantly found in the rainy season (January-June). The hourly activity data showed that the euglossine bees were attracted to the baits all day long, but at a higher frequency in the morning period, peaking between 8:00 and 10:00 h.

Highlights

The studies on euglossine bees conducted in Maranhão State were reviewed by Rebêlo & Silva (1999), who presented a list of the known species in northern Maranhão, using an ecological and biogeographical approach
This study aims to determine species richness, relative abundance, daily and annual distribution, and association of the euglossine bees with the essences used employed as bait, as well as to compare Cajual Island with other previously studied areas
Species of euglossine attracted to scent baits on Cajual Island, Maranhão State, from December 1997 to November 1998

Summary

Introduction

The studies on euglossine bees conducted in Maranhão State were reviewed by Rebêlo & Silva (1999), who presented a list of the known species in northern Maranhão, using an ecological and biogeographical approach. These authors focused on the diversity of ecosystem and climate found in the state, linking this to regional distribution of the species. The anthropogenic activity has modified regional ecology, directly influencing the distribution pattern of local fauna, including euglossine bees Due to this progressive alteration, knowledge of the fauna in the several environments of the State is of great relevance

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