Forrageamento de Melissoptila thoracica Smith (Hymenoptera, Eucerini, Apoidea) em flores de Sida (Malvaceae)

Abstract

Foraging activity of a solitary bee species – Melissoptila thoracica Smith, 1854 (Eucerini) – was studied considering its phenology, floral preferences, foraging patterns and pollen’s transportation structures. M. thoracica females present a clear preference for flowers of Sida Linnaeus (Malvaceae) in relation to pollen collection. The fidelity for the plant was observed considering foraging flights and analyzing the pollen carried in the females’ scopes. The collection of pollen by bees was estimated throughout the counting of remaining grains in the anthers, over one and three visits. Females were examined in scanning electronic microscopy for the analysis of pollen grains in the ventral pilosity and in the scopes. M. thoracica was considered an effective pollinator of Sida flowers.