Behavior of Trigona spinipes (Hymenoptera: Apidae) on flowering onion fields

Abstract

Studies were performed on large commercial fields of flowering onion (Allium cepa L.) plant in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The density and the behavior of the Trigona spinipes (irapuá bee) was observed in different times and days. Trigona spinipes was the second most frequent insect in the field and his density was higher in male-fertile plants than in male-infertile plants. The new leaves, flowers and fruits were not injured by irapuá bee. Compared with honeybees, irapuá bee was less efficient pollinator, but presented important activity in the onion flowering.