Trap-nests for stingless bees (Hymenoptera, Meliponini)

Author(s)

Oliveira, Ricardo Caliari ^{[1, 2]} ; Menezes, Cristiano ^{[3, 4]} ; Egea Soares, Ademilson Espencer ^[5] ; Imperatriz Fonseca, Vera Lucia ^[6]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Munich, Erasmus Mundus Master Programme Evolutionary Bio, D-80539 Munich - Germany

^[2] Univ Groningen, Groningen - Netherlands

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[4] Embrapa Amazonia Oriental, Belem, PA - Brazil

^[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Genet, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[6] Univ Fed Rural Semi Arido, Mossoro, RN - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Apidologie; v. 44, n. 1, p. 29-37, JAN 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 13

Abstract

Most stingless bee species build their nests inside tree hollows. In this paper, we present trap-nest containers which simulate nesting cavities so as to attract swarms of stingless bees. Although regularly used by stingless bee beekeepers in Brazil, this technique to obtain new colonies has not yet been systematically studied. We used two different types of trap-nests (plastic and cardboard) of four different sizes (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 L) containing propolis extract and wax. Over a period of 2 years, 61 swarms of nine different stingless bee species were attracted to the trap-nests. Most swarms chose the largest container (3 L); swarms were collected mostly in springtime (October-December). The plastic containers were more successfully occupied than others by stingless bee swarms. Trap-nests are a viable tool for stingless beekeepers, researchers and conservation biologists to obtain and study stingless bee colonies. (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