The deposition of anal excretions by Melipona favosa foragers (Apidae : Meliponinae): behavioural observations concerning the location of food sources

Melipona favosa consistently deposited anal excretions while foraging. Anal depositions were released more frequently and by more bees on artificial f ood sources at a greater distance from the nest. Our hypothesis that these deposits serve as scent marks is supported by experimental evidence regardi ng the choices made by foraging bees arriving at food sources either with o r without anal excretions. The clearly reduced visitation rate in the exper imental situation without depositions indicates the importance of these cue s during visitation of the food source.