Foraging behavior of Scaptotrigona depilis (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini) and its relationship with temporal and abiotic factors

Abstract

Stingless bees play an important role in Tropical and Subtropical ecosystems as pollinators of many plants. The aim of this study was to characterize the pattern of flight activity and foraging for pollen by Scaptotrigona depilis workers and their relation with climatic and temporal factors. We observed flight activity from July 2001 to June 2002 and pollen collection by scoring the flow of workers entering and exiting the colonies. We tested whether environmental (temperature, relative humidity, pluviosity and luminosity) and temporal predictors (month and time of day) affected bees’ activities. The study was conducted during one year and the records of observations showed that during the dry season when the length of light is longer, the external activity was more intensive, while during cold months with shorter light period, foraging activity was reduced. Pollen collection showed a peak in February, but in general this activity was regulated by temperature, humidity and daily luminosity.

Keywords

• pollination
• foraging activity
• division of labor