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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Behavioural and developmental responses of a stingless bee (Scaptotrigona depilis) to nest overheating

Full text
Author(s):
Vollet-Neto, Ayrton [1] ; Menezes, Cristiano [2] ; Imperatriz-Fonseca, Vera Lucia [3]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, BR-14040900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Embrapa Amazonia Oriental, Belem, Para - Brazil
[3] Univ Fed Rural Semi Arido, Mossoro, RN - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Apidologie; v. 46, n. 4, p. 455-464, JUN 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 9
Abstract

In this study, we investigate the behavioural response of the highly eusocial stingless bee Scaptotrigona depilis to high temperatures. We found that nest temperature in the brood area can be up to 2.5 A degrees C lower relative to a control empty box during hot periods. We showed that high temperatures increase both water collection and wing fanning behaviour at the colony level, suggesting that these behaviours are adaptations to cooling the nest in this species. Additionally, we measured survival and development time of pupae incubated at five different constant temperatures (22, 26, 30, 34 and 38 A degrees C). We found that the development time of S. depilis brood significantly varied between treatments and had a strong negative correlation with temperature. Brood survived over a large range of incubation temperatures; however, extreme temperatures (22 and 38 A degrees C) were almost 100 % lethal, highlighting the importance of thermoregulation, at least in extreme conditions. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/11144-0 - Evolution of mating systems in stingless bees (Apidae, Meliponini)
Grantee:Ayrton Vollet Neto
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 04/15801-0 - Biodiversidade e uso sustentavel de polinizadores, com enfase em abelhas meliponini.
Grantee:Vera Lucia Imperatriz-Fonseca
Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 07/50218-1 - A producao de rainha e a multiplicacao de colonias de abelhas sem ferrao.
Grantee:Cristiano Menezes
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)