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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.)

Cuticular Hydrocarbons Discriminate Distinct Colonies of Melipona marginata (Hymenoptera, Apinae, Meliponini)

Author(s):
Ferreira-Caliman, M. J. [1] ; Zucchi, R. [1] ; Nascimento, F. S. [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, FFCLRP, Dept Biol, BR-14040901 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: Sociobiology; v. 59, n. 3, p. 783-793, 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 3
Abstract

The aim of the present study was to characterize the variation of the chemical profiles among workers in different colonies of the stingless bee Melipona marginata. We used gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (CG-MS) and multivariate analysis of the bees' chemical from three colonies of two localities in southeast Brazil. The results showed that cuticular hydrocarbon profiles clearly separated distinct colonies. We show here the importance of using the chemical analyses for characterization of colony membership, in addition of the traditional techniques of diversity analyses. (AU)