Lehmberg, Lars ; Dworschak, Kai ; Blüthgen, Nico (2008)
Defensive behavior and chemical deterrence against ants in the stingless bee genus Trigona (Apidae, Meliponini).
In: Journal of Apicultural Research, 47 (1)
Artikel, Bibliographie
Kurzbeschreibung (Abstract)
Five species of Trigona (Apidae, Meliponini) in Borneo were tested for anti-predator deterrents, which potentially contribute to the protection of individual bees as well as their colony. Feeding choice experiments were performed with three predatory ant species. In most cases, ants significantly preferred bees that were washed with solvents (hexane and chloroform respectively) over untreated bees. This shows that stingless bees possess ant-deterrent substances. We suggest that plant-originated terpenes on the bees' cuticles contribute to this deterrent effect. Furthermore, we observed behavioral defences of two Trigona species at their colony entrance. Upon simulated nest intrusion of ant workers, bees predominantly reacted with aggressive biting, but also utilized resin-like substances as glue against intruders. Therefore, stingless bees utilize a combination of defences that may help to deter ants as potential predators inside and outside the nest.
| Typ des Eintrags: | Artikel |
|---|---|
| Erschienen: | 2008 |
| Autor(en): | Lehmberg, Lars ; Dworschak, Kai ; Blüthgen, Nico |
| Art des Eintrags: | Bibliographie |
| Titel: | Defensive behavior and chemical deterrence against ants in the stingless bee genus Trigona (Apidae, Meliponini) |
| Sprache: | Englisch |
| Publikationsjahr: | 2008 |
| Titel der Zeitschrift, Zeitung oder Schriftenreihe: | Journal of Apicultural Research |
| Jahrgang/Volume einer Zeitschrift: | 47 |
| (Heft-)Nummer: | 1 |
| Reihe: | Journal of Apicultural Research |
| Kurzbeschreibung (Abstract): | Five species of Trigona (Apidae, Meliponini) in Borneo were tested for anti-predator deterrents, which potentially contribute to the protection of individual bees as well as their colony. Feeding choice experiments were performed with three predatory ant species. In most cases, ants significantly preferred bees that were washed with solvents (hexane and chloroform respectively) over untreated bees. This shows that stingless bees possess ant-deterrent substances. We suggest that plant-originated terpenes on the bees' cuticles contribute to this deterrent effect. Furthermore, we observed behavioral defences of two Trigona species at their colony entrance. Upon simulated nest intrusion of ant workers, bees predominantly reacted with aggressive biting, but also utilized resin-like substances as glue against intruders. Therefore, stingless bees utilize a combination of defences that may help to deter ants as potential predators inside and outside the nest. |
| Fachbereich(e)/-gebiet(e): | 10 Fachbereich Biologie ?? fb10_zoologie ?? 10 Fachbereich Biologie > Komplexe ökologische Netzwerke |
| Hinterlegungsdatum: | 27 Sep 2011 12:58 |
| Letzte Änderung: | 05 Mär 2013 09:54 |
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