Comparative study of wax glands in four Meliponini bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae) producing different quantities of wax

The developmental degree of the wax glands was compared in four Meliponini bees, that produce different quantities of wax. The histological data and height average of the wax epithelium during the time in which the maximum production of wax is expected, are in accordance with the rates of wax produc...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Cavalcante, Vagner Melo [UNESP], Oliveira, Vagner Tadeu Paes de [UNESP], Cruz-Landim, Carminda da [UNESP]
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2000
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Repositorio:Repositório Institucional da UNESP
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.unesp.br:11449/26935
Acceso en línea:http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0073-47212000000200010
http://hdl.handle.net/11449/26935
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Stingless bees
wax glands
development
wax production
Descripción
Sumario:The developmental degree of the wax glands was compared in four Meliponini bees, that produce different quantities of wax. The histological data and height average of the wax epithelium during the time in which the maximum production of wax is expected, are in accordance with the rates of wax produced by the species. In Lestrimelitta limao (Smith, 1863) a species which has cleptobiotic habits, and frequently rob wax from the attacked colonies, the height of wax epithelium was the lowest among the studied species. The cells seem to show an abnormal vacuolated cytoplasm, in the phase in which they would be producing wax.