Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://repositorio.inpa.gov.br/handle/1/17798
Title: | Differential environmental effects on caste allocation in two Amazonian Melipona bees |
Authors: | Brito, Diana Vieira Silva Nunes, Raquel Amazonas da Pequeno, Pedro Aurélio Costa Lima Nunes-Silva, Carlos Gustavo Carvalho-zilse, Gislene Almeida |
Keywords: | Bee Caste Environmental Conditions Environmental Effect Environmental Factor Monitoring Queen Resource Allocation Amazonia |
Issue Date: | 2013 |
metadata.dc.publisher.journal: | Apidologie |
metadata.dc.relation.ispartof: | Volume 44, Número 6, Pags. 666-672 |
Abstract: | In Melipona bees, gyne proportion is exceptionally high in relation to other genera of eusocial bees. However, hypotheses on caste determination in this genus predict gyne proportions above those usually observed. This may be because gyne production is limited by environmental conditions. Our aim was to investigate the influence of environmental factors on caste allocation in two species in the genus Melipona. Monthly caste production was monitored for almost 2 years. In Melipona interrupta, gyne proportion was negatively correlated to cumulative rainfall. However, in Melipona seminigra, caste allocation did not depend on environmental factors. Comparison among these and other congeneric species suggests that this variation reflects the diversity of food sources. Thus, although the mechanism of caste determination may be common to Melipona spp., caste allocation across species responds differently to environmental constraints. © 2013 INRA, DIB and Springer-Verlag France. |
metadata.dc.identifier.doi: | 10.1007/s13592-013-0215-8 |
Appears in Collections: | Artigos |
Files in This Item:
There are no files associated with this item.
Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.