Host records and cleptoparasitic behavior of the cuckoo bee Mesonychium asteria (Smith) (Apidae, Ericrocidini) in nests of Centris xanthomelaena Moure & Castro, (Apidae, Centridini)

Authors

  • Herbeson Ovidio de Jesus Martins Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco
  • Patricia Luiza de Oliveira Rebouças Universidade Estado da Bahia
  • Vinina Silva Ferreira Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v67i2.4855

Keywords:

Caatinga, Centris (Paracentris), host association, solitary bee

Abstract

Mesonychium asteria (Smith) is a cleptoparasitic bee with occurrence restricted to South America. In this study, we provide new information related to the host association and cleptoparasitic behavior of this species in nests of Centris xanthomelaena Moure & Castro. Observations were conducted at the nesting sites of C. xanthomelaena in a Caatinga area of Pernambuco state, Brazil. Females of M. asteria were observed performing overflying in nest aggregations and attacking some nests. We have confirmed the cleptoparasitic association with the emergence of adult M. asteria from the host bee nests, and also by the presence of its larva on the brood cells.

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Author Biographies

Herbeson Ovidio de Jesus Martins, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco

Colegiado de Ciências Biológicas

Patricia Luiza de Oliveira Rebouças, Universidade Estado da Bahia

Departamento de Tecnológia e Ciências Sociais - DTCS

Vinina Silva Ferreira, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco

Colegiado de Ciências Biológicas

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Published

2020-06-30

How to Cite

Martins, H. O. de J., Rebouças, P. L. de O., & Ferreira, V. S. (2020). Host records and cleptoparasitic behavior of the cuckoo bee Mesonychium asteria (Smith) (Apidae, Ericrocidini) in nests of Centris xanthomelaena Moure & Castro, (Apidae, Centridini). Sociobiology, 67(2), 322–325. https://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v67i2.4855

Issue

Vol. 67 No. 2 (2020)

Section

Short Note

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