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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.)

Pollen foraging in colonies of Melipona bicolor (Apidae, Meliponini): effects of season, colony size and queen number

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Author(s):
Hilario, S. D. [1] ; Imperatriz-Fonseca, V. L. [2]
Total Authors: 2
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Zool, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, Dept Biol, BR-14049 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Genetics and Molecular Research; v. 8, n. 2, p. 664-671, 2009.
Web of Science Citations: 6
Abstract

We evaluated the ratio between the number of pollen foragers and the total number of bees entering colonies of Melipona bicolor, a facultative polygynous species of stingless bees. The variables considered in our analysis were: seasonality, colony size and the number of physogastric queens in each colony. The pollen forager ratios varied significantly between seasons; the ratio was higher in winter than in summer. However, colony size and number of queens per colony had no significant effect. We conclude that seasonal differences in pollen harvest are related to the production of sexuals and to the number of individuals and their body size. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 04/15801-0 - Biodiversity and sustainable use of pollinators, with emphasis on Meliponini bees
Grantee:Vera Lucia Imperatriz-Fonseca
Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants