Diversidade de abelhas Euglossini (Hymenoptera, Apidae) em fitofisionomias do estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

Abstract

Bees are considered one of the most important groups of pollinators of countless plant species, being responsible for more than 80% of world pollination. The orchid bees, well known for having a close relationship with the Orchidaceae family, form an important group of pollinators of plants in the Neotropical Region. Currently, about 240 species of orchid bees are known, divided into five genera. Large parts of the studies covering this group in Brazil are concentrated in regions of Amazon Basin, and the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil, with very little being known about the distribution and occurrence of species in other locations in the country, which makes it difficult to complete biogeographical gaps in the group’s distribution. The study was conducted on eight vegetation fragments in the east and southeast of state of Mato Grosso do Sul covering different phytophysiognomies. The sampling sites are located in the municipalities of Nova Alvorada do Sul (Cerrado), Nova Andradina (Semideciduous Forest and Cerrado), Novo Horizonte do Sul (Semideciduous Forest), Glória de Dourados, Dourados e Fátima do Sul (Riparian Forests). The aim of the study was to characterize the bee communities from the Euglossini tribe in these different areas and reevaluate one of the areas to record possible changes after four-year period. During the years, 2017, 2018 and 2019 fortnightly collections were carried out in each area during the dry and rainy season with the use of odorous traps. Bees were attracted by the synthetic fragrances cineole, vanillin, methyl salicylate, eugenol and methyl cinnamate. We recorded a total of 30 species of orchid bees captured in the eight fragments, and the Cerrados recorded a total of 27 species, Riparian Forests 23 species and Semideciduous Forests 23 species. New occurrences of species have also been recorded for the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, being, Euglossa imperialis, Euglossa azurea, and expansion of the distribution of Euglossa securigera now to the Cerrado areas of the state. The reavaluation in one of the areas (Area D), both richness and abundance were higher after four years of a first study, with the occurrence of another 10 species.