Behavioural and physiological differentiation of workers of Melipona bicolor bicolor (Apidae, Meliponinae)

• Grant number: 99/00180-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 1999
• End date: August 31, 2003
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Ecosystems Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Vera Lucia Imperatriz-Fonseca
• Grantee: Olga Inés Cepeda Aponte
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 96/11093-2 - Colony organization and patterns of reproduction in indigenous bees, AP.TEM

Abstract

The principal aim of this investigation is to analyze different factors that may lead to task differentiation among workers of Melipona bicolor bicolor. These bees have shown beyond etary and morfological factors that may influence behavioral changes, preferences or task allocations that may have to do with "colony demand" or with "individual predisposition". The construction of life tables based on video recordings and direct scanning, may lead to the identification of tasks groups and of individual specialization. During this first year it was necessary to become familiar with the bees and determine the best methods for maintaining the colonies in good conditions, with a dynamic population. A continuous follow up of the colonies was necessary in order to know the bees and identify problems. Many alternative manipulation technics, and working elements were proposed and tested. Trial recordings and scans lead to a standardization of some of the methods to be used. Courses, conferences, congresses and trips also made part of this acquisition of knowledge necessary for fulfilling the objectives proposed in this investigation. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

CEPEDA‚ O.I.. Division of labor during brood production in stingless bees with special reference to individual participation. Apidologie, v. 37, n. 2, p. 175-190, 2006. (99/00180-0)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

APONTE, Olga Inés Cepeda. Polygyny and Mongyny in Melipona bicolor (Apidae, Meliponini):from colective to individual. 2003. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Biociências (IBIOC/SB) São Paulo.