A Contribution to the Bionomics of Lestrimelitta Cubiceps (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

The genus Lestrimelitta Friese of the tribe Meliponini contains but three known species: Lestrimelitta ehrhardti (Friese), L. limao (F. Smith) and L. cubiceps (Friese). This genus is considered by several workers as being quite specialized, suggesting a recent origin. If this were the case, the geographical distribution ought to be restricted, occupying only one continent. However, L. cubiceps is found in Africa and the other species in tropical America, especially in southern Brazil. The South and Central American species of this genus are essentially thieves, making their living robbing certain species of Trigona, especially of the subgenera Plebeia and Nannotrigona. A bionomic study of the African L. cubiceps Friese is of interest not only in itself but for its possible significance in judging genetic relationships with the American species. One would think the placement together of American and African species likely to be artificial