Stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) attracted to animal carcasses in the Brazilian dry forest and implications for forensic entomology

Abstract

The association of stingless bees with pig carcasses exposed in a Brazilian Dry Forest area were examined. Modified Shannon traps were settled together to collect these insects during two seasons (dry and rainy). 564 bees were collected, belonging to three tribes and nine species. The majority of bees (75.5%) was collected during the dry season, and Partamona seridoensis Pedro & Camargo (32.8%) and Trigonisca sp. (20.9%) were the most abundant species. Five decomposition stages were recognized, being the bloated, active and advanced decay the most attractive to the bees. Considerations about seasonal foraging and use of bees in the forensic entomology scope are presented.