Differences of the Daily Flight Activity Rhythm in two Neotropical Stingless Bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

<p>Stingless bees are mainly tropical and subtropical, eusocial bees and perform activities that are both internal and external to the nest. This study aims to investigate and compare the daily flight activities of <em>Melipona scutellaris</em> Latreille and <em>Frieseomelitt...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Monique Sian Gouw, Miriam Gimenes
Format: article
Language:EN
Published: Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana 2013
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Online Access:https://doaj.org/article/a809992a73b140dbab268f08f1a94aa6
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Summary:<p>Stingless bees are mainly tropical and subtropical, eusocial bees and perform activities that are both internal and external to the nest. This study aims to investigate and compare the daily flight activities of <em>Melipona scutellaris</em> Latreille and <em>Frieseomelitta doederleini</em> (Friese). The daily flight activities of the two Meliponini species was regular for both initial and final activities and for preferential time of activity throughout the months, which may indicate the presence of a biological rhythm synchronized by the daily light-dark cycle. Temperature, light intensity and relative humidity probably influenced the rhythms of activity during the day, in a way that may act as a modulator of bee rhythms.<em> M. scutellaris </em>was the larger and darker bees and showed earlier activities and in lower temperatures when compared to <em>F. doederleini</em>, which were smaller bees.</p>