Uma nova espécie de Xylocopa (Monoxylocopa) Hurd & Moure e novos registros de X. abbreviata Hurd & Moure (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract

Xylocopa (Monoxylocopa) macambirae sp. nov. is described from specimens collected mainly in areas at moderately high altitude of Northeastern brazil, inside the caatinga semi-arid domain. Additionally, a complementary diagnosis for the subgenus is presented.

O equilíbrio da natureza: explorando a complexidade do meio ambiente

“…(Monoxylocopa) abbreviata (Ramalho et al, 2004) and X. (Monoxylocopa) macambirae (Zanella & Silva, 2010) in inflorescenses of E. spectabile; X. (Schonnherria) bambusae Schrottky, 1902 and X.…”

“…On the other hand, the scapes pre-excavated by the smaller Monoxylocopa species seem to offer some compensation to X. ordinaria females, such as reduced time spent with nest construction, which enables a greater period of time for brood care. Considering the wide distribution of this bromeliad in the semi-arid region (Forzza, 2005), and the widespread use of its stem as nesting substrate by species of Monoxylocopa (Ramalho et al, 2004;Zanella & Silva, 2010), pre-excavated stems are likely to be available throughout the region. The large females of X. ordinaria, thus, seem to use this non-woody substrate when trees with thick branches are scarce and where they occur sympatrically with species of the subgenus Monoxylocopa that provide pre-excavated cavities gnawed into the smooth scapes of the endemic bromeliad.…”

“…(Monoxylocopa) abbreviata Moure, 1963 (Ramalho et al, 2004) and X. (Monoxylocopa) macambirae Zanella and Silva, 2010 (Zanella & Silva, 2010).…”

The rupicolous bromeliad (Encholirium spectabile) as a keystone species for Brazilian semiarid biodiversity

“…spectabile (Ramalho et al. 2004, Zanella and Silva 2010). In addition to bees, many other species also use E .…”

“…Some of these species have developed a high reliance for reproducing in this bromeliad, as is the case of bumble bees (Xylocopa abbreviata and Xylocopa macambirae). Both are solitary bee species that only build their nests on the flowering stems of E. spectabile (Ramalho et al 2004, Zanella andSilva 2010). In addition to bees, many other species also use E. spectabile clumps to nest, as is the case of some wasp species of the Polistes and Polybia genera, as well as many mantids, ants, and lepidopterans, which lay their eggs on the flowers and bodies of bromeliads.…”