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The first case of gynandromorphism in Euglossa chalybeata is described in this study. We document a gynander of Euglossa chalybeata exhibiting mosaic-type asymmetry. This specimen was collected using a methyl salicylate bait at the Usina Hidrelétrica de Belo Monte in Vitória do Xingú, Pará, Brazil, and was compared to a regular male of the species. Photographs of both the gynander and the regular male are provided for reference. We also compare this case with previously reported records of gynandromorphism within the genus Euglossa. The gynander displays typical characteristics of both sexes, with deviations observed in the left and right metatibiae, pre-genital sterna, and genital capsule. Notably, the gynander of Euglossa chalybeata is distinguished from the six previously recorded cases in Euglossa by its deformed metatibiae and almost complete rudimentary genital capsule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic disturbances have drastic negative effects on the biodiversity, thereby also compromising the ecosystem service it provides. Bees are one of the key players since they provide essential pollination services for both natural and agriculture ecosystems. Nevertheless, these insects are facing an increasing threat due to expansion of urban areas and inappropriate land use practices. Therefore, understanding the impact of different anthropogenic disturbances on bee communities is essential to assure the ecosystem functioning and human well-being. In this study, we made use of a well-known bee group, i.e., euglossine bees (Euglossine: Apidae), and of a fast-growing city to investigate the impact of anthropogenic disturbance on bee community. Using scent traps, we monthly collected male euglossine bees in seven sampling areas, differing in terms of the anthropogenic use/disturbance. Land use in each area was characterized through pre-georeferenced images and mapping software and from these data we calculated an Anthropogenic Transformation Index. Our results reveal that anthropogenic disturbance negatively impacts the euglossine bee community, in contrast to the positive effect of the proximity to the river. However, and perhaps the most alarming aspect of our findings, is the interaction effect between these two conditions, demonstrating that as we approach the river, parameters such as abundance, species richness, and diversity of these bee communities become more compromised by disturbance. Our study shows the urgent need to implement effective conservation strategies and sustainable management practices to protect and restore riparian forests in Caatinga urban areas, aiming to safeguard its associated biota and the valuable ecosystem services they provide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchid bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) are exclusively Neotropical insects that occur naturally from Mexico to Argentina. Eufriesea species are the least studied among the five genera because they are often univoltine and active for a few months. Eufriesea brasilianorum is seldom collected and is one of the least-known species. We analyzed the data for this rare and threatened species using Maxent and an ensemble of models to determine distribution hypotheses for E. brasilianorum in Brazil. A small area of high suitability was found in eastern Brazil, including Atlantic Forest remnants. More studies must be developed to validate our predictions for E. brasilianorum. Future validation of the predictions obtained for E. brasilianorum will allow further discussion to list E. brasilianorum as a threatened species in the most recent National Action Plan for Conservation of Pollinator Insects Threatened by Extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchid bees are the only corbiculate bee lineage that is not obligately eusocial. However, multiple species of orchid bee show facultative sociality, with reproductive division of labor and a social hierarchy effectively enforced by oophagy. Orchid bee species differ in the degree of reproductive skew in social groups, as well as the rigidity of social roles. In the orchid bee Euglossa dilemma, previous observation of social groups of two or three individuals found that reproductive skew was complete, with one clear dominant individual that ate and replaced each subordinate laid egg. Here, we compare patterns of egg laying and egg-replacement between typical social nests of 2–3 individuals and larger social nests of 4–5 individuals. We find a striking difference in the reproductive behavior of colonies of varying group size; larger nests exhibit more reproductive inefficiency and conflict over the dominant social position, characterized by repeated oophagy and slower egg replacement. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that group size in E. dilemma may be limited by the ability of dominant bees to keep up with egg replacement. We discuss the possible causes and consequences of observed behavioral variation and its implications for understanding social behavior in orchid bees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of hummingbird pollination is common across angiosperms throughout the Americas, presenting an opportunity to examine convergence in both traits and environments to better understand how complex phenotypes arise. Here we examine independent shifts from bee to hummingbird pollination in the Neotropical spiral gingers (Costus) and address common explanations for the prevalence of transitions from bee to hummingbird pollination. We use floral traits of species with observed pollinators to predict pollinators of unobserved species and reconstruct ancestral pollination states on a well-resolved phylogeny. We examine whether independent transitions evolve towards the same phenotypic optimum and whether shifts to hummingbird pollination correlate with elevation or climate. Traits predicting hummingbird pollination include small flower size, brightly colored floral bracts and the absence of nectar guides. We find many shifts to hummingbird pollination and no reversals, a single shared phenotypic optimum across hummingbird flowers, and no association between pollination and elevation or climate. Evolutionary shifts to hummingbird pollination in Costus are highly convergent and directional, involve a surprising set of traits when compared with other plants with analogous transitions and refute the generality of several common explanations for the prevalence of transitions from bee to hummingbird pollination.

Herein, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of Euglossa cordata L., an orchid bee species widely distributed at the heterogeneous set of vegetal physiognomies encompassed in a transition zone (TZ) of different Brazilian biomes. We then tested whether phytogeographic regions would play some rule for the genetic diversity. Results revealed that only 12 and 28 out 78 pairs of samples showed some degree of genetic structure for microsatellites (FST≤ 0.029; Dest≤0.091; p < 0.05) and mtDNA(0.138 ≤mt-ϕST≤ 0.495; p < 0.05) markers, respectively. We found evidence of two and three genetic clusters in nuclear and mtDNA markers, but no significant structure based on phytogeographic regions or geographic distances. These findings point out that local idiosyncrasies and historic factors, but not different types of vegetation or geographic distances drive the patterns of the observed genetic structure. Drops in the diversity index and other estimators highlight that E. cordata may have experienced some local bottlenecks despite its resilience to anthropic interferences. These are the first records of relatively high genetic structure in E. cordata populations and have important implications for orchid bees' conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the current study, two euglossine species, Exaerete smaragdina and Eulaema nigrita, a cleptoparasite bee and its host, respectively, were used as models to: (i) access the genetic diversity and population structure of both species, sampled along a wide latitudinal range of Atlantic Forest, where the distribution of El. nigrita and Ex. smaragdina co-occurs; (ii) investigate the evolutionary history of these species through the Atlantic Forest, and in a wider scenario, to examine the evolutionary history of these species across others forest domains. Analyses involved males of El. nigrita and Ex. smaragdina sampled through Brazilian territory, including 19 sites in the Atlantic Forest. Bayesian Skyline Plot (BSP) was used to infer possible climate oscillations on population of both species over time. The BSP revealed stability in effective population size for both species in most of the Plio-Pleistocene period. However, BSP results aligned to the starlike configuration in the haplotype network, neutrality test, and population diversity patterns indicated population expansion of the two species during the late Pleistocene. Our findings suggest areas of potential refugia to the climatic oscillations of the Pleistocene in the Atlantic Forest in the Brazilian states of Espírito Santo for El. nigrita and Pernambuco for Ex. smaragdina.

Wind is a critical factor in the ecology of pollinating insects such as bees. However, the role of wind in determining patterns of bee abundance and floral visitation rates across space and time is not well understood. Orchid bees are an important and diverse group of neotropical pollinators that harvest pollen, nectar and resin from plants. In addition, male orchid bees collect volatile scents that they store in special chambers in their hind legs, and for which the wind-based dispersal of odours may play a particularly crucial role. Here, we take advantage of this specialized scent foraging behaviour to study the effects of wind on orchid bee visitation at scent sources in a fragmented tropical forest ecosystem. Consistent with previous work, forest cover increased orchid bee visitation. In addition, we find that temporal changes in wind speed and turbulence increase visitation to scent stations within sites. These results suggest that the increased dispersal of attractive scents provided by wind and turbulence outweighs any biomechanical or energetic costs that might deter bees from foraging in these conditions. Overall, our results highlight the significance of wind in the ecology of these important pollinators in neotropical forests.

Natural landscapes are facing rapid transformation in many parts of the world, but the consequences of such changes for insects are poorly known. We evaluated how the conversion of the savannas and forests from Brazil´s Cerrado into lands devoted to intensive agriculture, livestock, or plantation forestry affects euglossine bees. We determined the effects of land-use change on the species richness of euglossines, and functional traits related to the body size and wing fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of a habitat generalist species. Few species were recorded in the anthropogenic land uses and most presented lower abundances in the converted than in the native habitats. The exception was Eulaema nigrita, whose average abundance in cattle pastures and in soy fields did not differ from that observed in the native habitats. However, El. nigrita males collected in pastures or in soy fields were significantly smaller than those from savannas and forests, whereas those from eucalypt tree plantations were smaller than those from savanna. Furthermore, El. nigrita males from the tree plantations had higher levels of FA in wing shape than those from native forests. Implications for conservation: Our results showed that land-use change in the Cerrado biodiversity hotspot causes the impoverishment and homogenization of the Euglossini fauna. Furthermore, we found evidence that the converted habitats present more stressful conditions for the larval development of some species. This indicates that the conservation of euglossine populations in human- modified Cerrado landscapes depends largely on the presence of protected areas, including those within rural private land as required by Brazil´s Native Vegetation Protection Law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catasetum is a speciose Neotropical orchid genus of which male and female flowers emit scents acting both as attractant and reward for their exclusive pollinators, male orchid bees (Euglossini: Apidae). In Catasetum, it is well known that flowers display a remarkably morphological sexual dimorphism. However, it remains poorly investigated whether this is also true for floral scents. Here, we investigated the pollination ecology and floral scent traits (chemistry and total emission) of C. maranhense, a species endemic to the Brazilian N/NE region. Males of Euglossa securigera are the only pollinators of C. maranhense. The floral scent of C. maranhense is composed of 29 volatile compounds, with eucalyptol, indole, (E)-Methyl p-methoxycinnamate, and (Z)-Methyl p-methoxycinnamate accounting for more than 80% of the scent bouquet. No sexual dimorphism was detected in any of the traits investigated. We discuss the ecological and evolutionary significance of our findings to Catasetum species and other unisexual perfume plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species delimitation is a rich scientific field that often uses different sources of data to identify independently evolving lineages that might be recognized as species. Here, we use an integrative approach based on morphometrics, COI-barcoding, and phylogenomics using ultraconserved elements (UCEs) to investigate whether the orchid bee species Eulaema cingulata (Fabricius, 1804) and E. pseudocingulata Oliveira, 2006 represent a single variable taxon or two different species. We analyzed 126 specimens across the geographical range of these nominal species to test species hypotheses using the general lineage concept. We found substantial overlap in wing and head morphometrics, and both taxa form one phylogenetic lineage based on COI mitochondrial and UCE data. Our results support the recognition of both forms as members of the same evolutionary unit and E. pseudocingulata is herein recognized as a junior synonym of E. cingulata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the orchid bee genus Eufriesea Cockerell (Apidae: Apinae: Euglossini) is described and figured from the Islas Marías of Nayarit State, México in the Pacific. Eufriesea insularis sp. nov., is a member of the coerulescens species group and is restricted to Islas Marias. The species is readily recognized by its dark blue integument with purple iridescence, black pubescence, dark wings, and clypeus green with purple hues and a prominent elevated ridge along the midline. The new species is known only from the female. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchid bees (Euglossini) are pollinators sensitive to landscape pressures related to agricultural land use, such as coffee farming. Coffee crops occupy a large land area in Brazil, and understanding the effects of coffee farming on bee communities is essential to pollinator conservation in modified landscapes. Here, we evaluated the Euglossini communities in forest patches surrounded by coffee crops in the Atlantic Forest. We hypothesized the negative effects of coffee cover (%) on euglossine richness and abundance. The euglossine males were sampled at a sampling point within forest patches of 15 landscapes in southeastern Brazil. A total of 1890 euglossine males in four genera and 14 species were sampled. Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, 1841 was the dominant species (55.1%), followed by Euglossa cordata (Linnaeus, 1758) (25.5%). We found a new record for Euglossa liopoda Dressler, 1982, increasing the species’ known range in the Atlantic Forest. The results showed that the euglossine richness and species abundance decreased in forest patches surrounded by a high coffee cover (%). These negative effects of coffee cover on the Euglossini communities are related to forest cover substitution by monocultures with low or no floral attractiveness for these bees. This study highlights that forest patches in agricultural landscapes sustain high levels of euglossine richness. Thus, we indicate the conservation importance of these Atlantic Forest patches for bee species requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eusociality has evolved multiple times across the insect phylogeny. Social insects with greater levels of social complexity tend to exhibit specialized castes with low levels of individual phenotypic plasticity. In contrast, species with simple social groups may consist of totipotent individuals that transition among behavioral and reproductive states. However, recent work has shown that in simple social groups, there can still be constraint on individual plasticity, caused by differences in maternal nourishment or social interaction. It is not well understood how these constraints arise, ultimately leading to the evolution of nonreproductive workers. Some species of orchid bees form social groups of a dominant and—one to two subordinate helpers where all individuals are reproductive. Females can also disperse to start their own nest as a solitary foundress, which includes a nonreproductive phase characterized by ovary inactivation, not typically expressed by subordinates. Little is known about individual flexibility across these trajectories. Here, using the orchid bee Euglossa dilemma, we assess the plasticity of subordinate helpers, finding that they are capable of the same behavioral, physiological, transcriptomic, and chemical changes seen in foundresses. Our results suggest that the lack of nonreproductive workers in E. dilemma is not due to a lack of subordinate plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de la Universidad del Valle de Guatemala is the property of Universidad del Valle de Guatemala and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background The Monteverde region of Costa Rica is a hotspot of endemism and biodiversity. The region is, however, disturbed by human activities such as agriculture and urbanisation. This study provides a list of orchid bees (Hymenoptera: Euglossini) compiled from field surveys conducted during January-October 2019 in the premontane wet forest of San Luis, Monteverde, Costa Rica. We collected 36 species of Euglossine bees across four genera. We provide new geographic distribution and elevation data for eight species in two genera. Due to their critical role in the pollination of orchids and other plants, the distribution and abundance of Euglossine bees has relevance to plant biodiversity and conservation efforts. This is especially important in a region with a high diversity of difficult-to-study epiphytic orchids, such as in the Monteverde region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical stratification of animal assemblages has been observed in several arthropod taxa. However, for some groups there is conflicting evidence, such as for the neotropical orchid bees. Here, we used a meta-analysis to evaluate trends in abundance and diversity of euglossine bees across strata. We found no evidence of stratification in terms of diversity, but abundance was higher in the understory. Our results highlight the effect of sampling technique as a source of heterogeneity. For instance, studies that used McPhail traps reported higher diversity, higher similarity between strata, and were more accurate for quantifying abundance, as compared to improvised traps. Studies that used higher number of bait types sampled higher diversity in general. The higher abundance in the understory tended to decrease with the number of bait types used. Variables like elevation and latitude of the study influenced bees’ distribution. We also discuss other influential variables, ecological implications, and recommend areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Male euglossine bees (Euglossine: Apidae) pollinate flowers of as many as 1,000 Neotropical plant species and there is evidence that blooming in these plants is synchronized with the seasonality of euglossine pollinators. The present study aimed to monitor for two years the phenology of Sarcoglottis acaulis (Orchidaceae - Spiranthinae subtribe) and the seasonality of its pollinators at three Atlantic Forest fragments, two of which surrounded by urban anthropized areas. Phenologies in the three areas were related to abiotic factors, suggesting that precipitation on months prior to the beginning of the flowering period influenced the fructification rates of S. acaulis. Additionally, water shortage during the driest months resulted in vegetative dormancy. Sarcoglottis acaulis sets only a low number of fruits by self-pollination, and the plant’s reproductive success depended on the frequency of its main pollinator, i.e., the male euglossine bees Eulaema atleticana. Lower rates of pollinia removal were observed in areas where this bee is less frequent and, consequently, less fruits were formed, suggesting a high dependency on this pollinator.

ABSTRACT In this study, through a rapid assessment, we evaluated differences in richness, abundance, species composition and beta diversity of Euglossini bees in preserved areas and areas altered by riverine human populations in the Caxiuanã National Forest (northern Amazon). Our hypotheses were: i) the species richness, diversity, abundance and composition of Euglossini bees differ between the preserved and altered areas because many species are intolerant to small anthropic disturbances; and ii) areas altered by riverine populations have higher values of beta diversity (species dissimilarity between sites) than preserved areas, due to local changes in habitat and increased heterogeneity between sites. We sampled two areas (preserved and altered) and, in each area, four transects were sampled with odorous baits. We used a Student’s t test to evaluate differences in richness, abundance, and Shannon-Wiener diversity index. We also evaluated differences in composition and differences in beta diversity between areas. We collected 102 specimens, identified in 18 species and three genera, 63 individuals (61.8% of the total) in preserved areas and 39 individuals (38.2%) in altered areas. Euglossa liopoda (Dressler, 1982) was the most abundant in altered areas and Euglossa imperialis (Cockerell, 1922) the most abundant in preserved areas. Species richness was 2.5 times greater in the transects of preserved areas, and species composition also differed between the sampled areas. In contrast, species abundance did not differ between transects of both areas. Despite our small sample size, this study demonstrated that the richness, composition and beta diversity of Euglossini bees can be potentially affected by local changes in habitat caused by small-scale activities provided by traditional Amazonian groups. Our results indicate the urgency for more comprehensive studies aimed to investigate these relationships.

Copyright of Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales is the property of Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Iheringia. Série Zoologia is the property of Fundacao Zoobotanica do Rio Grande do Sul and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The birth-and-death model of multigene family evolution describes how gene families evolve and diversify through duplication and deletion. The cytochrome P450s are one of the most diverse and well-studied multigene families, involved in both physiological and xenobiotic functions. Extensive studies of insect P450 genes have demonstrated their role in insecticide resistance. Bees are thought to experience toxin exposure through their diet of nectar and pollen, as well as the resin-collecting behavior exhibited by some species. Here, we describe the repertoire of P450 genes in the orchid bee Euglossa dilemma. Male orchid bees form perfume bouquets used in courtship displays by collecting volatile compounds, resulting in exposure to compounds known to be toxic. In addition, we conducted phylogenetic and selection analyses across ten bee species encompassing three bee families. We find that social behavior and resin collection are not correlated with the repertoire of P450 present in a bee species. However, our analyses revealed that P450 clades can be classified as stable and unstable, and that genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism are more likely to belong to unstable clades. Furthermore, we find that unstable clades are under more dynamic evolutionary pressures and exhibit signals of adaptive evolution. This work highlights the complexity of multigene family evolution, revealing that multiple factors contribute to the diversification, stability, and dynamics of this gene family. Furthermore, we provide a resource for future detailed studies investigating the function of different P450s in economically important bee species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catasetum is a speciose Neotropical orchid genus of which male and female flowers emit scents acting both as attractant and reward for their exclusive pollinators, male orchid bees (Euglossini: Apidae). In Catasetum, it is well known that flowers display a remarkably morphological sexual dimorphism. However, it remains poorly investigated whether this is also true for floral scents. Here, we investigated the pollination ecology and floral scent traits (chemistry and total emission) of C. maranhense, a species endemic to the Brazilian N/NE region. Males of Euglossa securigera are the only pollinators of C. maranhense. The floral scent of C. maranhense is composed of 29 volatile compounds, with eucalyptol, indole, (E)-Methyl p-methoxycinnamate, and (Z)-Methyl p-methoxycinnamate accounting for more than 80% of the scent bouquet. No sexual dimorphism was detected in any of the traits investigated. We discuss the ecological and evolutionary significance of our findings to Catasetum species and other unisexual perfume plants.

Human activities have modified the landscape composition. The changes in the landscape structure can be evaluated by metrics, which are influenced, among other factors, by the number of cover classes used for the landscape classification (thematic resolution). In high thematic resolutions, landscape covers that can influence biological responses are identified and detailed. In low thematic resolutions, this detail level is lower because it aggregates different landscape covers in a few classes. However, how the thematic resolution influences our ability to understand landscape structure on biodiversity is poorly explored, particularly for pollinators. Here we asked how thematic resolution affects the explanatory power of landscape composition on explaining Euglossini bees (richness and abundance) within 15 landscapes composed mainly of coffee and pasture. To address this issue, we quantified the association between five attributes of the euglossine bee community and landscape composition: landscape cover classes (%) and landscape heterogeneity. Moreover, we also evaluated how the thematic resolution influences bee responses to landscape structure. We found a strong and positive influence of landscape heterogeneity in low thematic resolutions (i.e., few cover classes on maps) over the richness and rare species abundance. We also observed that- in addition to the forest cover in the landscape- the pasture cover (%) quantified in high thematic resolution positively influenced the total abundance and abundance of common and intermediate species. Our study highlights the importance of maintaining compositional heterogeneity for the orchid bee community in agroecosystems, and forest cover for the biological requirements and conservation of these pollinators. Moreover, the use of different thematic resolutions showed how specific types of landscape covers influence the euglossine community attributes. This can highlight the species preferences for habitats and landscape covers. Thus, we call the attention of landscape ecologists to the importance of the definition of thematic resolution, as our ability to quantify the association between biological responses and landscape structure may be influenced by the number of classes used when building thematic maps.

Copyright of Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales is the property of Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Orchid bees are important long-distance pollinators in Neotropical rainforests. Despite their great flight capacity, some species avoid leaving the forest and might be then more vulnerable to the negative effects of habitat fragmentation. Here, we sampled the euglossine fauna from a forest fragment in an urban zone and compared the data to two surveys conducted in the same area 28 and 20 years before. Twelve species were sampled, and the highest values of both abundance and richness were recorded in the present sampling. Species turnover was observed with the resilient species Euglossa cordata and Eulaema nigrita presenting a high increase in number over the years whereas the prevalent species in the former samplings, Euglossa pleosticta, show the highest stable populations. Conversely, the abundance of Euglossa annectans decreased until zero in the last sampling. The studied orchid bee populations had a lower stability value when compared with other euglossine long-term surveys. Our results indicate that even a small forest fragment within an urbanised landscape and subjected to different levels of anthropogenic impacts harbours a diverse euglossine fauna. It is suggested that not only the preservation and maintenance of forest fragments in urban areas but also its restoration after environmental impacts are important procedures to support species-rich wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euglossini bees are found from southern USA to Central Argentina and southern Brazil. Variations in latitude and altitude can influence the distribution of these bees. This study focused in recognizing the Euglossini species in northern Santa Catarina state, evaluating the distribution over the gradient between sea level and 800 meters altitude. The bees were collected in six locations, between Spring and Summer from 2013 to 2015, using cotton balls containing the following odor baits: benzyl benzoate, 1,8 cineole, eugenol, menthol and vanillin. A total of 794 bees were sampled, belonging to 10 different species, including a possible new species. In terms of abundance Eufriesea Cockerell, 1908 (4 species) accounted for 552 individuals, followed by Euglossa Latreille, 1802 (5 species) with 218 and Eulaema Lepeletier, 1841 (2 species) 24 individuals. Five species were not found above altitude of 400 meters. Eufriesea violacea Blanchard, 1840, Euglossa annectans Dressler, 1982, and Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, 1841 were the only species found in every location along the altitudinal gradient, but their abundance declines toward higher altitudes. The results surpassed the known orchid bee species for Santa Catarina state from 9 to 14 and confirmed the expected tendency of richness and abundance reduction toward the highlands. tendency of richness and abundance reduction toward the highlands.

Euglossini is an important tribe of Neotropical bees found primarily in wet forest environments, although their distribution extends to seasonal tropical forests and mountainous grassland habitats. However, little is known about the geography and diversity of euglossine bees in mountain regions, particularly in the Brazilian semi-arid Cerrado vegetation. We evaluated the distribution of euglossine bees along an elevational gradient in Serra do Cipó, Brazil, where the vegetation varies from savanna (Cerrado) at lower elevations to rupestrian grasslands in mountain summits, and an ecotone of cerrado/rupestrian grassland at mid elevations. We also tested whether bee species richness and abundance were influenced by environmental variables (vegetation and climate) that change with elevation. Bee abundance decreased with elevation, while species richness peaked at mid elevations. Species replacement along the elevational gradient led to differences in species composition between sites; but species diversity remained relatively constant, along the gradient. Abundance and diversity patterns were similar between the dry and rainy seasons, despite differences in species composition. We emphasize the importance of preserving corridors of mesic environments in the conservation of euglossine bees for maintaining ecosystem services in mountain savannas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchid bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossina) are important pollinators commonly found in Neotropical forests, although some species are frequently found in urban areas. The main goals of the present study were to assess the species composition, diversity and abundance of euglossine males in an urban area in the municipality of Uberlândia (MG), Central Brazil, inserted in the 'Cerrado', a xeric biome also known for its low richness and abundance of orchid bees. Field studies were carried out in a small forest remnant inside 'Parque do Sabiá', a public recreation park holding a small (20 ha) 'Cerrado' remnant, once monthly during a whole year by using ten different aromatic compounds known to be attractive to male orchid bees. A total of 292 specimens belonging to nine euglossine species were actively collected with entomological hand nets. A strong dominance of Euglossa carolina Nemésio, 2009 and Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, 1841 was observed, representing 88% of all collected specimens. Cineole was the most attractive bait. Bees showed a strong seasonality. The orchid-bee fauna of this area revealed to be at least as rich as those observed in nearby well-protected Cerrado remnants, in spite of being found in an area under strong anthropogenic pressures, suggesting a high resilience of some species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euglossa imperialis Cockerell, 1922 has recently been catalogued in the Cerrado of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and here we add both new and old data obtained from expeditions conducted in 10 municipalities of Mato Grosso since 2002. In this study we record this species for the first time in the wetlands of Cáceres and Barão de Melgaço, as well as on the northern Pantanal. Further studies are required to examine the variation in the coloration and other characteristics in E. imperialis populations from the northern and southern floodplains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amazon rainforest is one of the planet's biodiversity hotspots, hosting a rich orchid bee fauna. The phoretic cleptoparasites of this bee fauna are largely unknown. We report for the first time the host–cleptoparasite interaction between Eulaema mocsaryi (Friese) (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossini) and the first instar larva (triungulin) of a Tetraonycini meloid beetle. We review the host–cleptoparasite interactions of Tetraonycini with Apid bees in South America and discuss the ecological needs of the cleptoparasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of eusociality and sterile worker castes represents a major transition in the history of life. Despite this, little is known about the mechanisms involved in the initial transition from solitary to social behaviour. It has been hypothesized that plasticity from ancestral solitary life cycles was coopted to create queen and worker castes in insect societies. Here, we tested this hypothesis by examining gene expression involved in the transition from solitary to social behaviour in the orchid bee Euglossa dilemma. To this end, we conducted observations that allowed us to classify bees into four distinct categories of solitary and social behaviour. Then, by sequencing brain and ovary transcriptomes from these behavioural phases, we identified gene expression changes overlapping with socially associated genes across multiple eusocial lineages. We find that genes involved in solitary E. dilemma ovarian plasticity overlap extensively with genes showing differential expression between fertile and sterile workers—or between queens and workers in other eusocial bees. We also find evidence that sociality in E. dilemma reflects gene expression patterns involved in solitary foraging and non-foraging nest care behaviours. Our results provide strong support for the hypothesis that eusociality emerges from plasticity found across solitary life cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unpredicted occurrence of the cleptoparasitic orchid bee Aglae caerulea is announced for the Pantanal wetland biome in midwest Brazil, cataloged in a gallery forest in the Serra das Araras Ecological Station, southwestern Mato Grosso. A single female was cataloged outside the polygons where surveys were recently proposed for new orchid bee inventories in the Neotropical realm. The female found in habitat preoccupied by its hostess Eulaema nigrita is presumed representative to confirm that A. caerulea occurs in sympatry with their host in this wetland. Two recent points of occurrence in the Amazon rainforest of Mato Grosso were included here to update the Aglae distribution map. Following a meticulous literature review, several previous records from tropical moist forests in Panama and spanning from the Caribbean Sea to the Cerrado in central Bolivia and Brazil were used to complete the present record points of A. caerulea in the neotropics. The results demonstrate another distributional gap in euglossines and suggest the need for additional studies to find Aglae in southern Pantanal and farther afield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although orchid bees (Apidae: Euglossini) are known as key pollinators in tropical ecosystems, knowledge of their floral sources is still scarce, especially for those species commonly found in urban environments. We aimed to identify the pollen, nectar and resin sources used by the widespread species Euglossa cordata in an urban area in south-eastern Brazil. The residual pollen from 81 brood cells of nine nests reactivated between October 2013 and December 2014 was acetolysed and analysed. A total of 50 pollen types belonging to 20 botanical families were identified in the samples. Pollen sources included species from seven families; five of them were plants with poricidal anthers (Bixaceae, Commelinaceae, Fabaceae, Melastomataceae and Solanaceae). The mass-flowering trees Handroanthus chrysotrichus and H. heptaphyllus (Bignoniaceae) are firstly reported as important pollen sources to an orchid bee species. Nectar was collected primarily from plants with long, tubular corolla as Acanthaceae, Apocynaceae, Bignoniaceae and Convolvulaceae. The vine species Dalechampia stipulacea (Euphorbiaceae) acted as a floral resin source. All pollen sources consisted of native plants whereas some exotic plant species were visited for nectar collection. Although nesting in an area encompassed by a high proportion of invasive plant species, Euglossa cordata females preferred to visit native plants to gather floral resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the expression of genes in different contexts are essential to our understanding of the functioning of organisms and their adaptations to the environment. Gene expression studies require steps of normalization, which are done using the stable expression pattern of reference genes. For many different eusocial bees reference genes have been discovered, but not for the primitively eusocial euglossine bees.We used available genomic resources of euglossine species and the gene information of Apis melliferato develop a set of reference genes for the primitive eusocial bee Euglossaviridissima. We tested nine genes in distinct developmental stages three different algorithms to infer the stability of gene expression. The Tata binding protein(Tbp) and 14-3-3epsilon were the most stable genes across all different stages. The strongest deviation in gene expression pattern occurred in pupae, which require a different set of genes for normalizing gene expression.

The expansion of agriculture in the Arc of Deforestation causes deforestation and habitat loss. Euglossines sampling was done near Juruena River, Cotriguaçu municipality, northern Mato Grosso State. The bees were collected on understory and canopy using different baits. A total of 41 males of Eufriesea fragrocara Kimsey were collected. This is a rare species in collections and catalogued only in Huánuco (Peru), Napo (Ecuador), Ouro Preto D’Oeste and Ariquemes, Rondônia, Brazil. This new records increase the geographic distribution of E. fragrocara in 500 km to the western Amazon Basin, reducing the filling gaps in their distribution range in the Neotropics.

Abstract: Insect mating behavior is controlled by a diverse array of sex‐specific traits and strategies that evolved to maximize mating success. Orchid bees exhibit a unique suite of perfume‐mediated mating behaviors. Male bees collect volatile compounds from their environment to concoct species‐specific perfume mixtures that are presumably used to attract conspecific females. Despite a growing understanding of the ecology and evolution of chemical signaling in orchid bees, many aspects of the functional adaptations involved, in particular regarding sensory systems, remain unknown. Here we investigated male and female brain morphology in the common orchid bee Euglossa dilemma Bembé & Eltz. Males exhibited increased relative volumes of the Medulla, a visual brain region, which correlated with larger compound eye size (area). While the overall volume of olfactory brain regions was similar between sexes, the antennal lobes exhibited several sex‐specific structures including one male‐specific macroglomerulus. These findings reveal sexual dimorphism in both the visual and the olfactory system of orchid bees. It highlights the tendency of an increased investment in the male visual system similar to that observed in other bee lineages, and suggests that visual input may play a more important role in orchid bee male mating behavior than previously thought. Furthermore, our results suggest that the evolution of perfume communication in orchid bees did not involve drastic changes in olfactory brain morphology compared to other bee lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euglossini bees are able to fly long distances, which could help to maintain gene flow among widely separated populations. In order to investigate if different environmental conditions affect morphological variation in Euglossa annectans and Euglossa truncata, we analyzed the patterns of venation of the forewings of 310 individuals, sampled in the same six locations for the two species. Populations from the two species clustered in a similar way, following the phytophysiognomy of the sampling sites. These populations also presented little or no population structure. Based on our results, we suggest that the forest fragmentation is not a problem for these species. The tendency of samples to group based on site phytophysiognomy can be explained by phenotypic plasticity or local adaptations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The neotropical orchid genus Catasetum embraces about 180 species that produce perfume as reward for pollinators (i.e. male euglossine bees). Among the ca. 1000 perfume‐rewarding plants, Catasetum species are the best studied with respect to their natural history. Nevertheless, the pollination ecology of most species (> 80%) remains unknown. Here, we investigated the pollination ecology and floral scent chemistry of C. galeritum, a rare species endemic to the poorly investigated Brazilian Amazon. Flowers of C. galeritum were visited only by male bees of Eufriesea superba. Its perfume bouquet was composed of six volatiles, with 1,4‐dimethoxybenzene accounting for about 85% of the total scent discharge. Curiously, this compound is a potent attractant of more than 40 euglossine species. The absence of euglossine species other than Ef. superba on flowers of C. galeritum might be, therefore, be mediated by a modifier effect of another compound(s) in its floral scent bouquet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchid bees are a conspicuous component of the neotropical bee fauna, with a few species reaching the northernmost natural distribution for the group in northwestern continental Mexico. Among them, Euglossa viridissima Friese is here reported for the first time in the Cape Region of the Baja California peninsula, Mexico, where no species of the group have been found previously. These records are presented, their biogeographical implications discussed, and some interpretations of the local factors that influence the bees is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumo. As abelhas Euglossina ocorrem exclusivamente na região neotropical, com cerca de 200 espécies descritas. Utilizando-se fragrâncias artificiais como iscas, é possível realizar levantamentos faunísticos e estudar diversos aspectos ecológicos do grupo. Com o intuito de contribuir ao conhecimento da biodiversidade dos brejos de altitude, no tocante às abelhas Euglossina, sete fragrâncias artificiais foram utilizadas como iscas em um remanescente na cidade de Areia, Paraíba, em distintos períodos climáticos. Foram coletados 2.981 machos pertencentes a 14 espécies de Euglossina. A abundância e a riqueza foram maiores no período de estiagem, havendo variação no horário de atividade de um período para o outro. De modo geral, no período chuvoso os machos foram mais ativos após as 11h e, no de estiagem, entre 8h e 11h. Euglossa carolina (Nemésio), Eulaema nigrita (Lepeletier) e Eulaema cingulata (Fabricius) foram as espécies mais abundantes nos dois períodos. Beta ionona foi a fragrância que atraiu o maior número de espécies e indivíduos. Seasonality and Daily Activity Patterns of Euglossina males (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Apini) and Preferences for Artificial Fragrances in a Montane Atlantic Forest Remnant, Paraíba Abstract. Euglossina bees are distributed exclusively in the Neotropical Region, with around 200 species described. By the usage of artificial fragrances as baits, it is possible to accomplish faunistic inventories and study several ecological aspects of the group. To contribute to the knowledge of the biodiversity of a Montane Atlantic Forest remnant, concerning to Euglossina, seven fragrances were used as baits in different climatic periods. A total of 2,981 males belonging to 14 species of Euglossina were collected. Abundance and richness were higher in the dry period. Changes in the daily activity patterns were observed from a period to the other. Generally, in the rainy season the males were more active after 11am and in the dry season between 8am and 11am. Euglossa carolina (Nemésio), Eulaema nigrita (Lepeletier) and Eulaema cingulata (Fabricius) were the most abundant species on both periods. Ionone beta was the fragrance which attracted more species and specimens.