NOTES ON THE NEST HABITS AND HOST RANGE OF CLEPTOBIOTIC LESTRIMELITTA NIITKIB (AYALA 1999) (HYMENOPTERA: MELIPONINI) FROM THE YUCATAN PENINSULA, MEXICO

Abstract

Lestrimelitta niitkib is the only cleptobiotic stingless bee species reported for the Yucatán Peninsula. Very little is known about its biology and host range although it is recognised that its role may be crucial in the ecology of stingless bee populations. In this note we present preliminary information on the nest characteristics of this species, its host range and behaviour during nest raids.