Free Access
| Issue |
Apidologie
Volume 31, Number 3, May-june 2000
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|---|---|---|
| Page(s) | 411 - 419 | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/apido:2000131 | |
DOI: 10.1051/apido:2000131
Apidologie 31 (2000) 411-419
Cell provisioning and oviposition in Melipona beecheii (Apidae, Meliponinae),with a note on caste determination
Johan Wilhelm van Veen
Department of Social Insects, Ethology and Socio-ecology, Laboratory of Comparative Physiology,
Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.086, NL-3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands
(
Abstract:
We examined the food provisioning and oviposition process (POP) for worker- and gyne-producing cells of
Melipona beecheii. POPs for both castes did not differ significantly in duration and number of
trophic eggs oviposited by workers in the cells. The frequency of food discharges by workers in
gyne-producing cells was significantly less than in worker-producing cells. This result is discussed in
relation with caste determination. Seventy percent of all POPs took place at night. We hypothesized that
foraging activities during the daytime reduced the number of workers available in the nest for provision
of food to workers that participated in the POPs. It was found that the number of trophic eggs laid by
workers during a POP was positively correlated to the preceding extra-oviposition period.
Keywords:
stingless bee / caste / trophic worker egg / Melipona beecheii
Correspondence and reprints: Johan Wilhelm van Veen
Present address: P.O. Box 475-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica
e-mail: jvanveen@una.ac.cr
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