Does Forest Phisiognomy affect the Structure of Orchid Bee (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Euglossini) Communities? A Study in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

We describe and discuss the composition, abundance and diversity of euglossine in three vegetation types of the Atlantic Forest (Lowland Seasonal Semideciduous, Submontane Seasonal and Dense Montane Ombrophilous Forest) in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, compare them to previous studies in the region and investigate the importance of the vegetation types, climatic and geomorphological factors on the species composition. Male euglossine bees attracted by fragrances were sampled monthly from August/2008 to July/2009 using entomological nets and traps. Euglossine bee communities exhibited differences in their species composition and abundance along the year and in the vegetation types. The precipitation, altitude and vegetation types demonstrated a significant influence on the ordination of the euglossine communities. Our study found differences in the composition of euglossine bee communities as well as in their patterns of abundance and dominance among different vegetation formations, stressing the importance of the conservation of landscape mosaics in the region.