FOOD COLLECTION AND MATURATION IN THE NECROPHAGOUS STINGLESS BEE, TRIGONA-HYPOGEA (HYMENOPTERA, MELIPONINAE)

Among stingless bees, the Trigona hypogea group is remarkable for its obligate necrophagy. Unlike other Meliponinae, bees in this group no l onger visit flowers. Honey and proteinaceous food are stored in separa te pots and both kinds of storage pots are devoid of pollen. The prote ic nutrition is based on a paste-like material collected mainly from c arcasses. Honey-like substances are mainly composed of juices collecte d directly from fruits and from extra-floral nectaries. Although sugar apparently requires no further care, the treatment involved in the ma turation of the protein source is complex and takes several days.