Production of queens and drones in Melipona beecheii (Meliponini) in relation to colony development and resource availability

Abstract

The production of queens and drones was studied for the stingless bee Melipona beecheii (Apidae, Meliponini) in relation to food storage and brood and adult populations. We found a negative correlation between the quantity of food stored and brood and adult populations. The colony growth observed at the end of the rainy season, a period characterized by poor foraging conditions, came from surplus food stores. Queens were produced all year round. A significant correlation was found between the amount of pollen stored and the production of queens and drones. The production of queens and drones was synchronized at population level, but within colonies no correlation was found between both sexes, which is an important out-breeding strategy.