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The behavioural and structural aspects of grooming and related activities in euglossine bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Author(s) -
Kimsey Lynn Siri
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1984.tb02386.x
Subject(s) - apidae , biology , hymenoptera , pollen , honey bees , zoology , botany
The movements and structures involved in grooming, resin and pollen manipulation, and collection of aromatic material are described for members of the tribe Euglossini. These bees typically groom with each leg while hanging by their mandibles, working from the head backwards. Collection and transfer of aromatic material is described after re‐evaluation using fluorescent powder. Resin collection involves asynchronous ipsilateral transfer of the resin to the hindtibia. Pollen collection, in contrast, involves synchronous ipsilateral transfer. Areas of the body that are not groomed are illustrated, and the various plants and animals that exploit these regions discussed. The similarities between the behaviours of euglossines and bumblebees supports the idea that they are closely related.