Cavities in bromeliad stolons used as nest sites by Euglossa cordata (Hymenoptera, Euglossini)

By

Boff, Samuel
Alves dos Santos, Isabel

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2018

Original Publication

Journal of Hymenoptera research

Volume

62

Pages

33-44

Subjects

Island , larval provision , natural cavity , nesting biology , Orchid bees

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Washington, D.C International Society of Hymenopterists

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.62.22834

 

Abstract

Herein, we describe nests of the orchid bee Euglossa cordata that were constructed in cavities of Aechmea distichantha (Bromeliaceae) stolons. We present data about nest and cell size, number of adults and brood, and analyses of larval provisions. The presence of E. cordata carcasses embedded in the resin of nest partitions indicates that these nests were used by multiple generations. Based on larval provisioning, E. cordata is polylectic and relies heavily on a few plant species.