K.S. Malagodi-Braga, A.M.P. Kleinert
Published: May 26, 2009
Genet. Mol. Res. 8 (2) : 596-606
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4238/vol8-2kerr014

Cite this Article:
K.S. Malagodi-Braga, A.M.P. Kleinert (2009). Comparative analysis of two sampling techniques for pollen gathered by Nannotrigona testaceicornis Lepeletier (Apidae, Meliponini). Genet. Mol. Res. 8(2): 596-606. https://doi.org/10.4238/vol8-2kerr014

About the Authors
K.S. Malagodi-Braga, A.M.P. Kleinert

Corresponding author
A.M.P. Kleinert
E-mail: astridkl@ib.usp.br

ABSTRACT

Pollen counts from samples taken from storage pots throughout one year (from October to September) were adjusted by Tasei’s volumetric correction coefficient for the determination of pollen sources exploited by two colonies of Nannotrigona testaceicornis in São Paulo, Brazil. The results obtained by this sampling technique for seven months (December to June) were compared with those from corbicula load samples taken within the same period. This species visited a large variety of plant species, but few of them were frequently used. As a rule, pollen sources that appeared at frequencies greater than 1% were found with both sampling methods and significant positive correlations (Spearman correlation coefficient) were found between their values. The pollen load sample data showed that N. testaceicornis gathered pollen throughout the external activity period.

Key words: Stingless bees, pollen analysis, pollen exploitation, sampling methods.