Je. Serrao et C. Dacruzlandim, GUT STRUCTURES IN ADULT WORKERS OF NECROPHOROUS NEOTROPICAL STINGLESSBEES (HYMENOPTERA, APIDAE, MELIPONINAE), Entomologia generalis, 19(4), 1995, pp. 261-265
The structure and content of the proventriculus and midgut were analys
ed in adult workers of 2 necrophagous and 8 pollen feeding species of
neotropical stingless bees. In the former no modification could be det
ected indicating any adaptation for flesh feeding. This result is disc
ussed in relation to a presumably recent change of the protein source
in the necrophagous neotropical Trigona species.