The highest known euglossine bee community from a garden in the Bolivian Andes (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Euglossini)

By

Perger, Robert

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2015

Original Publication

Journal of Hymenoptera research

Volume

45

Pages

65-73

Subjects

Bolivia , inter-Andean dry valleys , Orchid bees , prepuna

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Washington, D.C International Society of Hymenopterists

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/JHR.45.5003

 

Abstract

In this contribution, the first observations of euglossine bee species from the Bolivian Prepuna are reported. Euglossa melanotricha Moure, Eufriesea mariana (Mocsáry) and Exaerete dentata (L.) were observed at an elevation of 2640 m in a garden located in San Joaquin, Salancachi (Chuquisaca department, annual precipitation 400–500 mm). This is the highest known record for a population of Euglossa and Eufriesea to date. All of the euglossine bees were observed exclusively on introduced plants. The distributional patterns, biological associations and ecological significance of the observed euglossine bees are discussed.