ISSN:
1572-8889
Keywords:
stingless bees
;
Melipona
;
nestmate recognition
;
Apis mellifera
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The possible significance of nestmate recognition in prevention of robbing and parasitism in three species of stingless bees was assessed. Nestmate discrimination abilities vary among them; Melipona quadrifasciataworkers attacked 74% of nonnestmate conspecifics that were encountered, while M. scutellarisand M. rufiventriswere less discriminating, attacking only 14 and 60% of non-nestmates, respectively. In tests of interspecific interactions, M. quadrifasciataand M. scutellariswere the least mutually tolerant of all species pairs tested. Tests with Apis melliferashowed a high degree of intolerance by two of the three Meliponaspecies.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01049331
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