ERGONOMICS IN STINGLESS BEES - CHANGES IN INTRANIDAL BEHAVIOR AFTER PARTIAL REMOVAL OF STORAGE POTS AND HONEY IN MELIPONA-FAVOSA (HYM APIDAE, MELIPONINAE)

The ergonomics of task allocation in stingless bees was examined in two laboratory colonies of Melipona favosa containing individually marked workers. Performance of intranidal behavior patterns, brood cell production and the processing and storage of nectar, were studied during a control and a wax-deprived period. Experimental wax deprivation consisted of regular controlled removal of storage pots and their contents. Stored carbohydrate concentration and storage pot mass declined during the wax-deprived period. Behavior was measured by sampling for a complete ethogram at seven intranidal areas. In comparison with Apis mellifera, M.favosa appeared to be more sensitive to stress, with a distinct real location of effort between tasks. The significant increase under stress of brood production and brood-rearing behavior patterns observed was previously also found in Apis. Self-oriented behavior patterns declined under stressed circumstances. Involucrum construction declined in wax-deprived Melipona colonies. Relatively low rates of walking behavior in general in Melipona suggest a low mean free distance between tasks. These results are of particular interest in relation to the basically different nest structure of stingless bees, e.g. very distinct areas for brood production and the processing and storage of food. This architecture of stingless bee nests appeared to influence strongly their specific responses to wax deprivation.