Uso de recursos florais por duas espécies de meliponíneos (tetragonisca angustula fiebrigi e scaptotrigona bipunctata ) no bioma pampa, RS

Abstract

The stingless bees, also popularly known as stingless bees are social bees and native Brazil. These bees perform an important function in the environment through pollination service allow the preservation and restoration of vegetation and as a reward for services provided by pollinator plants offer many resources for bees. Among these, pollen is one of the main food resources offered by plants. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the plant species used as food sources by two species of stingless bees: Tetragonisca angustula fiebrigi and Scaptotrigona bipunctata in an area of the Pampa biome in RS. The study was conducted at Cerro do Ouro in the municipality of São Gabriel, RS. On site were installed nests of each species of stingless bees. Occurred a pickup load of pollen basket pollen foragers of these two species in April 2012. Fifteen pollen types were identified in total, of which 66.66% was collected only by T. angustula fiebrigi, 20% for S. bipunctata and 13.33% for both species. The similarity index of Morisita-Horn for both species was low (CM-H = 0,13). The species Tetragonisca angustula fiebrigi presented generalists while Scaptotrigona bipunctata presented a more specialized feeding habits.