Flying activity of the bees cupira (Partamona seridoensis) in brazilian semiarid

Abstract

The flight activity of the bees may be subject to interference by meteorological factors or be closely linked to the biology of the local flora. The objective of this study was to analyze the flight activity of the Cupira (Partamona seridoensis) and the possible influence of the abiotic factors in these activities. The work was carried out in the municipality of Pau dos Ferros - RN. Data collection was done by recording from 5:00 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. of four Cupira bee nests, each nest being recorded every two hours for 10 minutes, for a period of six weeks in the months of April to May of the year 2018. From the recordings and observation of the flight activity of the bees, it was possible to perceive that they are more active during the early morning (during which exceptionally there is a higher influx of pollen) and at the end of the afternoon, that the climatic variables can interfere in a directly proportional way (relative humidity of the air) or inversely proportional (temperature and solar irradiation). The present study, pioneer for this species, allows the emergence of new scientific studies that corroborate with the management and conservation of these bee, besides a possible use of this species in agricultural pollination systems.