BEHAVIOR OF TRIGONA-SPINIPES (HYMENOPTERA , APIDAE) ON FLOWERING ONION FIELDS

Studies were performed on large commercial fields of flowering onion ( Allium cepa L.) plant in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The densit y and the behavior of the Trigona spinipes (irapua bee) was observed i n different times and days. Trigona spinipes was the second most frequ ent insect in the field and his density was higher in male-fertile pla nts than in male-infertile plants. The new leaves, flowers and fruits were not injured by irapua bee. Compared with honeybees, irapua bee wa s less efficient pollinator, but presented important activity in the o nion flowering.