Search

International audience; AbstractMale Euglossini bees (Apidae) forage for floral and non-floral perfumes. Although the use of these perfumes has not yet been clearly reported, there are indications of using perfume from varied exogenous sources as a pheromone analogue since male orchid bees do not produce it. Here, we report an interaction between male Euglossa annectans and flowers of Angelonia salicariifolia (Plantaginaceae). Floral anatomy analysis and a histological study of two different sets of trichomes indicate the presence of aromatic oils (perfume) in one set of these trichomes. The other set of trichomes produce resins. Both sets of trichomes are found in the same floral area of the flower where the male orchid bees were seen. The male orchid bees studied forage for perfumes but do not promote pollination since they do not reach the reproductive structures during their visit. Our records show that only male E. annectans were attracted to the volatile fragrance although we know that other orchid bee species also occur in the area.

International audience; We investigated the diversity of euglossine bees in ten areas of Atlantic Forest Domain in São Paulo State, Brazil. Bees were collected with odor baits for 2 years, from March 2007 to March 2009. From a standardized effort during the first year of sampling, we compare the four areas using indexes of diversity, evenness, and similarity of euglossine communities. In the second year, we added six new places for presenting a general overview on the Atlantic forest in São Paulo. A total of 2,395 individuals of 23 species were recorded in the study areas. Ilhabela had the highest number of species (19) and individuals (1,260). The most attractive odor bait was eucalyptol, which attracted 16 species and 58 % of all individuals. Euglossa cordata (Linnaeus 1958) was the most abundant species, representing 50 % of the individuals sampled; apparently, populations of this species are more abundant at low altitudes, as for example on islands and on the coast. The results also suggest a difference in richness among altitudes, since coastal areas (where the climatic variation are milder) had more species. The present study advances knowledge on the occurrence of euglossine bees in the Atlantic Forest and fills the lack of a systematic study of these bees of coastal areas in São Paulo State.

International audience; Solitary bees of the genus Tetrapedia have a specific association with mites of the genus Roubikia (Chaetodactylidae). These mites are frequently found attached to active Tetrapedia bees. We quantified the number of mites on individuals of Tetrapedia diversipes Klug and examined the interaction between these species. Nests of T. diversipes were obtained from trap-nests placed in four localities in São Paulo, Brazil. The study lasted from March 2007 to February 2009. Out of a total of 650 nests with emergences, 118 were infested with mites (Roubikia sp.). From these nests, 176 individuals of T. diversipes emerged with mites on their bodies. Additionally, six individuals of Coelioxoides waltheriae, the specific kleptoparasitic bee to T. diversipes, emerged. Mites were attached mainly to the mesosoma. All nests infected with mites did not presented mortality of the immature. The mortality rate of nests was inversely related to the level of mite infestation, suggesting a mutualistic interaction in which mites may remove fungi from the nests, while the bees would provide the mites with transport, dispersal, and shelter.