Journal article
Resin-foraging by colonies of Trigona sapiens and T. hockingsi (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponini) and consequent seed dispersal of Corymbia torelliana (Myrtaceae)
Apidologie, Vol.41(4), pp.428-435
2010
Abstract
Resins are a critical resource for stingless bees and resin -collecting bees act as seed dispersers in tropical plants. We describe the diurnal foraging patterns of colonies of Trigona sapiens and T. hockingsi on resin and pollen. We also document patterns of waste removal and seed dispersal of Corymbia torelliana. At most, only 10% of foragers collected resin or dispersed seed. Nevertheless, bees dispersed 1-3 seeds outside the nest per 5 minutes, and 38-114 seeds per day for each nest. The proportion of returning bees carrying pollen was highest in the morning for both species. The proportion of foragers returning with resin loads showed no significant diurnal variation in any season. Waste removal activity peaked in the afternoon for T. sapiens and in the morning for T. hockingsi. Seed removal peaked in the afternoon in one year only for T. sapiens. Bees dispersed thousands of seeds of C. torelliana over the season even though only a small proportion of the colony was engaged in seed transport.
Details
- Title
- Resin-foraging by colonies of Trigona sapiens and T. hockingsi (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponini) and consequent seed dispersal of Corymbia torelliana (Myrtaceae)
- Authors
- Helen M Wallace (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and EducationDavid J Lee (Author) - Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
- Publication details
- Apidologie, Vol.41(4), pp.428-435
- Publisher
- Springer France
- Date published
- 2010
- DOI
- 10.1051/apido/2009074
- ISSN
- 0044-8435
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; Tropical Forests and People Research Centre; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Forest Industries Research Centre; Forest Research Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449789002621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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