ISSN:
1420-9098
Keywords:
Key words: Pre-mating behaviour, gyne, abdomen enlargement, Melipona beecheii, stingless bee.
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary: The behaviour of gynes of Melipona beecheii in queen-deprived colonies was studied. The period after emergence until acceptance is characterized by agonistic behaviour of workers towards the gynes. The gynes escaped from this worker aggression by hiding in the periphery of the nest, by performing rapid turn-arounds once grabbed by a worker, and "feigning death". Between acceptance and nuptial flight, gynes spent most of their time in pushing, hiding, and antennal contact with workers, and self-grooming or food solicitation. After the nuptial flight the queen's behavioural repertoire shifted to less pushing and food solicitation, to an increase in standing, tapping and antennal contact.¶Accepted gynes had a significantly more prolonged abdomen inflation than gynes that were eliminated.¶An hypothesis is presented to explain how abdomen enlargement and behavioural development influences the acceptance of gynes and the establishment of a dominance relation with workers under queenless conditions.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s000400050157
