M. Cortopassi-Laurino, A. Zillikens, J. Steiner
Published: May 19, 2009
Genet. Mol. Res. 8 (2) : 546-556
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4238/vol8-2kerr013

Cite this Article:
M. Cortopassi-Laurino, A. Zillikens, J. Steiner (2009). Pollen sources of the orchid bee Euglossa annectans Dressler 1982 (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Euglossini) analyzed from larval provisions. Genet. Mol. Res. 8(2): 546-556. https://doi.org/10.4238/vol8-2kerr013

About the Authors
M. Cortopassi-Laurino, A. Zillikens, J. Steiner

Corresponding author
M. Cortopassi-Laurino
E-mail: mclaurin@usp.br and anne.zillikens@uni-tuebingen.de

ABSTRACT

In order to analyze the pollen resources used by the orchid bee Euglossa annectans, samples of larval provisions from cells under construction were taken from 12 different trap nests (wooden boxes) on Santa Catarina Island, southern Brazil. The 43 samples collected between 2002 and 2005 represented all months except December. Overall, 74 pollen types from 24 families were distinguished. Among the 26 pollen types that reached more than 10% in monthly means, the families Melastomataceae, Bromeliaceae, Ochnaceae, Fabaceae, and Myrtaceae were most frequently represented. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index H’ for the 43 brood cells varied from 0.10-1.65 and the annual diversity was 0.98. Similarity indices ranged from 0 to 0.87 and were highest during spring and summer. The results characterize E. annectans as a polylectic species. Based on these data, we can conclude that Euglossa females may act as pollinators of many forest species.

Key words: Euglossa annectans, Pollen provisions, Trap nest, Atlantic rainforest, Polylectic foraging.