Observations on stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Meliponini) collecting of latex in mammy Mammea americana (l.) jacq. (clusiaceae), Manaus, state of Amazonas, Brazil

Abstract

The knowledge regarding the plant species used by the stingless bees for their survival is a fundamental factor for their maintenance. The objective of this study is to observe collecting latex in Mammea americana tree (Clusiaceae) and abundance patterns of visitors. The study was carried out in the "Bosque da Ciência," Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus-AM. The bee communities were represented by Trigona williana and Trigona recursa. The latter presented the highest abundance (89.4%). These bees probably collect this substance in order to protect their nest against other possible tenants and predators, since it acts as an antimicrobial agent.