Foraging behavior and the nest architecture of a high-Andean stingless bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) revealed by X-ray computerized tomography

Abstract

Stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) are key pollinators of both cultivated and wild plants in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. While most species are found in lowland to mid-elevations, a few have adapted to high elevations, and their biology remains poorly understood. We assess the foraging pattern of Parapartamona zonata (Smith) in the central Andes of Colombia (2583 m.a.s.l.) and apply computer tomography to visualize and characterize its internal nest architecture. Bees foraged for pollen and nesting materials (resin and/or mud) from sunrise (5:40 h) to sunset (17:45), even at ambient temperatures as low as 11 °C. Foraging varied significantly throughout the day and temperature and sky condition explained 47% of its variance. Differences in the nest architecture, when compared with previous records, suggest that nesting behavior might be variable. These results are discussed in the context of behavioral adaptations in this unique environmental niche.