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{{Short description|Species of bee}}
{{Taxobox
{{Speciesbox
|name =
|name =
|image = Bombus transversalis.jpg
|image = Bombus transversalis.jpg
|image_caption =
|image_caption =
|status = LC
|regnum = [[Animalia]]
|status_system = IUCN3.1
|phylum = [[Arthropoda]]
|status_ref=<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270162301|title=IUCN Assessments for North American Bombus spp. for the North American IUCN Bumble Bee Specialist Group|last=Hatfield|first=Richard|website=ResearchGate|language=en|access-date=2017-04-25}}</ref>
|classis = [[Insecta]]
⚫
| genus = Bombus
|ordo = [[Hymenoptera]]
| parent = Bombus (Thoracobombus)
|familia = [[Apidae]]
⚫
| species = transversalis
⚫
|genus = ''[[Bombus]]''
| authority = ([[Guillaume-Antoine Olivier|Olivier]], 1789)
⚫
|species = '''''B. transversalis'''''
|binomial=''Bombus transversalis''
|binomial_authority=
}}
}}


'''''Bombus transversalis''''' is a [[bumblebee]] specifically native to the [[Amazon Basin]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|title = Army Ant Attacks by Eciton hamatum and E. rapax (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on Nests of the Amazonian Bumble Bee, Bombus transversalis (Hymenoptera: Apidae)|url = http://www.jstor.org/stable/25086142|journal = Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society|date = 2003-07-01|pages = 533–535|volume = 76|issue = 3|first = Santiago|last = Ramírez|first2 = Sydney A.|last2 = Cameron}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|url = http://www.life.illinois.edu/scameron/pdfs/Cam_et_al.Btrans99.pdf|title = Novel Use of Walking Trails by the Amazonian Bumble Bee, Bombus Transversalis (Hymenoptera: Apidae)|last = Cameron|first = Sydney|date = 1999|journal = University of Campus Natural History Museum|doi = |pmid = |access-date = 15 October 2015|last2 = Whitfield|first2 = James|first3 = Miles|first4 = Natalie|last3 = Cohen|last4 = Thorp}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite journal|title = Nest construction and architecture of the Amazonian bumble bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae)|url = http://www.edpsciences.org/10.1051/apido:2003035|journal = Apidologie|pages = 321–331|volume = 34|issue = 4|doi = 10.1051/apido:2003035|first = Olivia Mariko|last = Taylor|first2 = Sydney A.|last2 = Cameron}}</ref> It is most notable for its surface level colonies which are built by the workers on the [[rainforest]] floor. Unlike its relatives, ''B. transversalis'' is able to thrive in a humid climate and fend off a wide range of predators because of its resilient nests. While there is great deal of information pertaining to their nests and [[foraging]] abilities, there is much more to be learned about relationships within the colony and life cycle of the bee.
'''''Bombus transversalis''''' is a [[bumblebee]] specifically native to the [[Amazon Basin]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|title = Army Ant Attacks by Eciton hamatum and E. rapax (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on Nests of the Amazonian Bumble Bee, Bombus transversalis (Hymenoptera: Apidae)|journal = Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society|date = 2003-07-01|pages = 533–535|volume = 76|issue = 3|first = Santiago|last = Ramírez|first2 = Sydney A.|last2 = Cameron|jstor=25086142}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|url = http://www.life.illinois.edu/scameron/pdfs/Cam_et_al.Btrans99.pdf|title = Novel Use of Walking Trails by the Amazonian Bumble Bee, Bombus Transversalis (Hymenoptera: Apidae)|last = Cameron|first = Sydney|date = 1999|journal = University of Campus Natural History Museum|access-date = 15 October 2015|last2 = Whitfield|first2 = James|first3 = Miles|first4 = Natalie|last3 = Cohen|last4 = Thorp}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite journal|title = Nest construction and architecture of the Amazonian bumble bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae)|journal = Apidologie|pages = 321–331|volume = 34|issue = 4|doi = 10.1051/apido:2003035|first = Olivia Mariko|last = Taylor|first2 = Sydney A.|last2 = Cameron|year = 2003|doi-access = free}}</ref> It is most notable for its surface-level colonies which are built by the workers on the [[rainforest]] floor. Unlike its relatives, ''B. transversalis'' is able to thrive in a humid climate and fend off a wide range of predators because of its resilient nests. While there is great deal of information pertaining to their nests and [[foraging]] abilities, there is much more to be learned about relationships within the colony and life cycle of the bee.


== Taxonomy and Phylogenetics ==
== Taxonomy and phylogenetics ==
''Bombus transversalis'' is in the order [[Hymenoptera]], which consists of [[Bee|bees]], [[Ant|ants]], [[Wasp|wasps]], and [[Sawfly|sawflies]]. It is in the family [[Apidae]] and in the genus [[Bumblebee|Bombus]]. Most Bombus bees live in [[Temperate climate|temperate]] climates and build their nests underground from abandoned tunnels.<ref name=":3" /> The ''Bombus transversalis'' has adapted to tropical climates and builds its nests on ground surface. It can also be classified under the subgenus ''[[Fervidobombus]]''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|title = A scientific note on food alert in Bombus transversalis|url = http://www.edpsciences.org/10.1051/apido:2002045|journal = Apidologie|pages = 87–88|volume = 34|issue = 1|doi = 10.1051/apido:2002045|first = Anna|last = Dornhaus|first2 = Sydney|last2 = Cameron}}</ref> An example of a related species would be ''[[Bombus atratus]]''.<ref>{{Cite journal|url = http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Claus_Rasmussen2/publication/252644618_Ecology_and_Nesting_Behavior_of_Bombus_atratus_Franklin_in_Andean_Highlands_(Hymenoptera_Apidae)/links/54c2895e0cf256ed5a8ebec0.pdf|title = Ecology and Nesting Behavior of Bombus atratus Franklin Andean Highlands (Hymenoptera: Apidae)|last = Gonzalez|first = Victor|date = 2004|journal = Journal of Hymenoptera Research|doi = |pmid = |access-date = 15 October 2015|last2 = Meija|first2 = Adriana|last3 = Ramussen|first3 = Claus}}</ref> However, ''Bombus transversalis'' is the only one of this subgenus known to build their own nests out of leaves and twigs.<ref name=":4" />
''Bombus transversalis'' is in the order [[Hymenoptera]], which consists of [[bee]]s, [[ant]]s, [[wasp]]s, and [[Sawfly|sawflies]]. It is in the family [[Apidae]] and in the genus ''[[Bumblebee|Bombus]]''. Most ''Bombus'' live in [[Temperate climate|temperate]] climates and build their nests underground from abandoned tunnels.<ref name=":3" /> ''Bombus transversalis'' has adapted to tropical climates and builds its nests on ground surface. It is classified under the subgenus ''[[Thoracobombus]]''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|title = A scientific note on food alert in Bombus transversalis|journal = Apidologie|pages = 87–88|volume = 34|issue = 1|doi = 10.1051/apido:2002045|first = Anna|last = Dornhaus|first2 = Sydney|last2 = Cameron|year = 2003|doi-access = free}}</ref> An example of a related species would be ''[[Bombus pauloensis]]''.<ref>{{Cite journal|url = https://www.researchgate.net/publication/252644618|title = Ecology and nesting behavior of ''Bombus atratus'' Franklin in Andean Highlands (Hymenoptera: Apidae)|last = Gonzalez|first = Victor|date = 2004|journal = Journal of Hymenoptera Research|access-date = 15 October 2015|last2 = Meija|first2 = Adriana|last3 = Ramussen|first3 = Claus}}</ref> However, ''Bombus transversalis'' is the only one of this subgenus known to build their own nests out of leaves and twigs.<ref name=":4" />


== Distribution and Habitat ==
== Distribution and habitat ==
''Bombus transversalis'' is primarily found in the lowland tropical rain forests of the [[Amazon basin|Amazon]] Basin.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> They can be found throughout much of South America, including parts of [[Peru]], [[Ecuador]] and [[Brazil]].<ref name=":1"/> They are generally seen as the bumblebee colonizers of [[Neotropical]] rain forests.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|title = Behaviour and nest structure of the Amazonian Bombus transversalis in Ecuador|url = http://journals.cambridge.org/article_S0266467400003540|journal = Journal of Tropical Ecology|date = 1989-05-01|issn = 1469-7831|pages = 243–246|volume = 5|issue = 02|doi = 10.1017/S0266467400003540|first = Jens Mogens|last = Olesen}}</ref> As such, they are adapted to surviving in a humid climate with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Their nests are found in soil which is not flooded.<ref name=":4" /> They are generally built next to the roots of trees or among shrubs for support.<ref name=":4" />
''Bombus transversalis'' is primarily found in the lowland tropical rain forests of the [[Amazon basin|Amazon]] Basin.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> They can be found throughout much of South America, including parts of [[Peru]], [[Ecuador]] and [[Brazil]].<ref name=":1"/> They are generally seen as the bumblebee colonizers of [[Neotropical]] rain forests.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|title = Behaviour and nest structure of the Amazonian Bombus transversalis in Ecuador|journal = Journal of Tropical Ecology|date = 1989-05-01|issn = 1469-7831|pages = 243–246|volume = 5|issue = 2|doi = 10.1017/S0266467400003540|first = Jens Mogens|last = Olesen}}</ref> As such, they are adapted to surviving in a humid climate with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Their nests are found in soil which is not flooded.<ref name=":4" /> They are generally built next to the roots of trees or among shrubs for support.<ref name=":4" />


== Colony Cycle ==
== Colony cycle ==
The ''Bombus transversalis'' colony cycle is based on the season of the year.<ref name=":4" /> Colonies are formed during the [[wet season]]. During this time the colony is continually developing. When the [[dry season]] comes, they become reproductively active for a few months.<ref name=":4" /> However, once the [[wet season]] comes around again, the life of the colony comes to an end and a new colony is eventually formed when the queen finds a suitable site.
The ''Bombus transversalis'' colony cycle is based on the season of the year.<ref name=":4" /> Colonies are formed during the [[wet season]]. During this time the colony is continually developing. When the [[dry season]] comes, they become reproductively active for a few months.<ref name=":4" /> However, once the wet season comes around again, the life of the colony comes to an end and a new colony is eventually formed when the queen finds a suitable site.


== Foraging ==
== Foraging ==


=== Alerting ===
=== Alerting ===
While the ''Bombus transversalis'' is very unique in its distribution, nesting, and foraging, it is still a social bee. It has been shown to have similar behavior to that of the ''[[Bombus terrestris]]'', a well-studied [[bumblebee]].<ref name=":1" /> It was thence shown that although the two bees are distantly related, the ''Bombus transversalis'' still shows behavior of alerting its colony about food sources leading to increased activity in and out of the nest.<ref name=":1" />
While the ''Bombus transversalis'' is unique in its distribution, nesting, and foraging, it is still a social bee. It has been shown to have similar behavior to that of the ''[[Bombus terrestris]]'', a well-studied [[bumblebee]].<ref name=":1" /> It was thence shown that although the two bees are distantly related, the ''Bombus transversalis'' still shows behavior of alerting its colony about food sources leading to increased activity in and out of the nest.<ref name=":1" />


=== Trails ===
=== Trails ===
It has been observed that ''B. transversalis'' uses walking trails similar to those of [[Ant|ants]].<ref name=":3" /> These trails extend out from the nest in opposite directions and are patrolled by at least 20 workers who collect materials and forage along the trails.<ref name=":3" /> Workers on the trail cut leaves and debris into tiny pieces and push them to the side as they create trails. It has been observed that workers do this process in pairs, as they push debris to their fellow worker behind them.<ref name=":4" /> As such, lines of five or more bees have been observed walking along trails nearby their nest. One purpose of these trails is to [[forage]]. This is unique because most bees forage via flight.<ref name=":3" />
It has been observed that ''B. transversalis'' uses walking trails similar to those of [[ant]]s.<ref name=":3" /> These trails extend out from the nest in opposite directions and are patrolled by at least 20 workers who collect materials and forage along the trails.<ref name=":3" /> Workers on the trail cut leaves and debris into tiny pieces and push them to the side as they create trails. It has been observed that workers do this process in pairs, as they push debris to their fellow worker behind them.<ref name=":4" /> As such, lines of five or more bees have been observed walking along trails nearby their nest. One purpose of these trails is to [[forage]]. This is unique because most bees forage via flight.<ref name=":3" />


== Nest ==
== Nest ==


=== Structure ===
=== Structure ===
The structure of the ''Bombus transversalis'' nest is very complex. It is cone-like in shape with two separate combs.<ref name=":2" /> Oftentimes it is built off of existing nests, so there are many unused cells. The [[brood comb]] is built at the top and is surrounded by large [[honey]] silos. Some are filled with honey, but most are empty, as there is an abundant amount of storage.<ref name=":3" /> There is one single entrance to the colony.<ref name=":2" /> It is open and uncamouflaged but is usually guarded by 2-5 [[Worker bee|worker bees]].<ref name=":2" /> Entirety of the colony is covered in a heap of twigs, leaves, and roots which serve as a canopy. This heap is very dense and waterproof. It also provides an air space which helps the bees manage the temperature and humidity of the nest.<ref name=":4" />
The structure of the ''Bombus transversalis'' nest is very complex. It is cone-like in shape with two separate combs.<ref name=":2" /> Oftentimes it is built off of existing nests, so there are many unused cells. The [[brood comb]] is built at the top and is surrounded by large [[honey]] silos. Some are filled with honey, but most are empty, as there is an abundant amount of storage.<ref name=":3" /> There is one single entrance to the colony.<ref name=":2" /> It is open and uncamouflaged but is usually guarded by 2–5 [[worker bee]]s.<ref name=":2" /> Entirety of the colony is covered in a heap of twigs, leaves, and roots which serve as a canopy. This heap is very dense and waterproof. It also provides an air space which helps the bees manage the temperature and humidity of the nest.<ref name=":4" />


=== Construction ===
=== Construction ===
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=== Selection ===
=== Selection ===
A queen ''Bombus transversalis'' must choose its nesting site very carefully if she hopes to have a successful colony. First, she must choose an area which has ideal soil and will not flood when it rains a lot.<ref name=":4" /> Secondly, she must find adequate structural support for her nest. Oftentimes, this will take form in the roots of a large tree or among [[saplings]] and shrubs. This will give the workers a base to build the canopy for the colony and provide adequate shade for the nest.<ref name=":2" />
A queen ''Bombus transversalis'' must choose its nesting site very carefully if she hopes to have a successful colony. First, she must choose an area which has ideal soil and will not flood when it rains a lot.<ref name=":4" /> Secondly, she must find adequate structural support for her nest. Oftentimes, this will take form in the roots of a large tree or among [[sapling]]s and shrubs. This will give the workers a base to build the canopy for the colony and provide adequate shade for the nest.<ref name=":2" />


== Controlling Environment ==
== Controlling environment ==
Most [[Bumblebee|''Bombus'']] bees live in [[Temperate climate|temperate]] climates and cannot withstand the [[humidity]] and heat of the [[tropics]]. The ''Bombus transversalis'' has adapted so that it can be resilient. Because of the structure of its nest with an interwoven canopy covering the colony, the bees are able to remain dry even during Amazonian [[deluges]]. A well-constructed canopy creates a small air space between the canopy and the brood and is able to insulate the colony and balance the moisture.<ref name=":0" /> A weak colony will allow moisture into that air space, resulting in mold.<ref name=":3" /> Additionally, it is believed that when the sun is at its hottest, workers will stand at the entrance of the colony and fan the nest to reduce temperature and humidity.<ref name=":2" />
Most [[Bumblebee|''Bombus'']] bees live in [[Temperate climate|temperate]] climates and cannot withstand the [[humidity]] and heat of the [[tropics]]. The ''Bombus transversalis'' has adapted so that it can be resilient. Because of the structure of its nest with an interwoven canopy covering the colony, the bees are able to remain dry even during Amazonian deluges. A well-constructed canopy creates a small air space between the canopy and the brood and is able to insulate the colony and balance the moisture.<ref name=":0" /> A weak colony will allow moisture into that air space, resulting in mold.<ref name=":3" /> Additionally, it is believed that when the sun is at its hottest, workers will stand at the entrance of the colony and fan the nest to reduce temperature and humidity.<ref name=":2" />


== Interactions with Other Species ==
== Interactions with other species ==


=== Army ants ===
=== Army ants ===
Since ''Bombus transversalis'' builds its nest on [[rainforest]] floors, it is very susceptible to predators on the ground. One such predator is the army ant ''[[Eciton hamatum]]''. In a 100m<sup>2</sup> area on the forest floor, there is a 50% chance of being raided by [[Army ant|army ants]] over an eight-month period.<ref name=":0" /> The main defensive mechanism of ''Bombus transversalis'' against these attacks is through its nest structure. The colony is covered with a dense canopy of leaves and roots. So, the only way to invade the colony is through the single nest entrance which remains guarded if it is not raining. While this does not prevent all attacks, it is an effective mechanism at times.<ref name=":0" />
Since ''Bombus transversalis'' builds its nest on [[rainforest]] floors, it is very susceptible to predators on the ground. One such predator is the army ant ''[[Eciton hamatum]]''. In a 100m<sup>2</sup> area on the forest floor, there is a 50% chance of being raided by [[army ant]]s over an eight-month period.<ref name=":0" /> The main defensive mechanism of ''Bombus transversalis'' against these attacks is through its nest structure. The colony is covered with a dense canopy of leaves and roots. So, the only way to invade the colony is through the single nest entrance which remains guarded if it is not raining. While this does not prevent all attacks, it is an effective mechanism at times.<ref name=":0" />


=== Parasitoid wasps and moths ===
=== Parasitoid wasps and moths ===
''Bombus transversalis'' is known to be [[Parasitism|parasitized]] by [[Moth|moths]]. The process of this is puzzling since the nest only has one entrance and is usually well-guarded. Somehow the moths are able to sneak through the entrance or are willingly allowed to pass through into the nest.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal|url = http://aesa.oxfordjournals.org/content/aesa/94/6/851.full.pdf|title = Review of Apanteles Species (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) Attacking Lepidoptera in Bombus (Fervidobombus) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies in the New World, with Description of a New Species from South America|last = Whitfield|first = James|date = 2001|journal = Systematics|doi = |pmid = |access-date = 15 October 2015|last2 = Cameron|first2 = Sydney|first3 = Santiago|first4 = Kari|first5 = Susanna|first6 = Olivia|first7 = Dustin|last3 = Ramirez|last4 = Roesch|last5 = Messinger|last6 = Taylor|last7 = Cole}}</ref> At that the point, the moth [[Larva|larvae]] will then feed on the host cells. Interestingly enough, through observation of the ''Bombus transversalis'' and these moths, a new [[parasitoid]] wasp in the genus ''[[Apanteles]]'' was also discovered.<ref name=":5" />
''Bombus transversalis'' is known to be [[Parasitism|parasitized]] by [[moth]]s. The process of this is puzzling since the nest only has one entrance and is usually well-guarded. Somehow the moths are able to sneak through the entrance or are willingly allowed to pass through into the nest.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal|url = http://aesa.oxfordjournals.org/content/aesa/94/6/851.full.pdf|title = Review of Apanteles Species (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) Attacking Lepidoptera in Bombus (Fervidobombus) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies in the New World, with Description of a New Species from South America|last = Whitfield|first = James|date = 2001|journal = Annals of the Entomological Society of America|doi = 10.1603/0013-8746(2001)094[0851:rotash]2.0.co;2|access-date = 15 October 2015|last2 = Cameron|first2 = Sydney|first3 = Santiago|first4 = Kari|first5 = Susanna|first6 = Olivia|first7 = Dustin|last3 = Ramirez|last4 = Roesch|last5 = Messinger|last6 = Taylor|last7 = Cole|volume=94|issue = 6|pages=851–857|doi-access = free}}</ref> At that the point, the moth [[larva]]e will then feed on the host cells. Through observation of the ''Bombus transversalis'' and these moths, a new [[parasitoid]] wasp in the genus ''[[Apanteles]]'' was also discovered.<ref name=":5" />


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Taxonbar|from=Q2426859}}
== Sources ==




[[Category:Bumblebees]]
[[Category:Bumblebees]]
[[Category:Hymenoptera of South America]]
[[Category:Hymenoptera of South America]]
[[Category:Insects described in 1789]]

Latest revision as of 03:35, 24 August 2024

Bombus transversalis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Apidae
Genus: Bombus
Subgenus: Thoracobombus
Species:
B. transversalis
Binomial name
Bombus transversalis
(Olivier, 1789)

Bombus transversalis is a bumblebee specifically native to the Amazon Basin.[2][3][4] It is most notable for its surface-level colonies which are built by the workers on the rainforest floor. Unlike its relatives, B. transversalis is able to thrive in a humid climate and fend off a wide range of predators because of its resilient nests. While there is great deal of information pertaining to their nests and foraging abilities, there is much more to be learned about relationships within the colony and life cycle of the bee.

Taxonomy and phylogenetics

[edit]

Bombus transversalis is in the order Hymenoptera, which consists of bees, ants, wasps, and sawflies. It is in the family Apidae and in the genus Bombus. Most Bombus live in temperate climates and build their nests underground from abandoned tunnels.[3] Bombus transversalis has adapted to tropical climates and builds its nests on ground surface. It is classified under the subgenus Thoracobombus.[5] An example of a related species would be Bombus pauloensis.[6] However, Bombus transversalis is the only one of this subgenus known to build their own nests out of leaves and twigs.[4]

Distribution and habitat

[edit]

Bombus transversalis is primarily found in the lowland tropical rain forests of the Amazon Basin.[2][3] They can be found throughout much of South America, including parts of Peru, Ecuador and Brazil.[5] They are generally seen as the bumblebee colonizers of Neotropical rain forests.[7] As such, they are adapted to surviving in a humid climate with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Their nests are found in soil which is not flooded.[4] They are generally built next to the roots of trees or among shrubs for support.[4]

Colony cycle

[edit]

The Bombus transversalis colony cycle is based on the season of the year.[4] Colonies are formed during the wet season. During this time the colony is continually developing. When the dry season comes, they become reproductively active for a few months.[4] However, once the wet season comes around again, the life of the colony comes to an end and a new colony is eventually formed when the queen finds a suitable site.

Foraging

[edit]

Alerting

[edit]

While the Bombus transversalis is unique in its distribution, nesting, and foraging, it is still a social bee. It has been shown to have similar behavior to that of the Bombus terrestris, a well-studied bumblebee.[5] It was thence shown that although the two bees are distantly related, the Bombus transversalis still shows behavior of alerting its colony about food sources leading to increased activity in and out of the nest.[5]

Trails

[edit]

It has been observed that B. transversalis uses walking trails similar to those of ants.[3] These trails extend out from the nest in opposite directions and are patrolled by at least 20 workers who collect materials and forage along the trails.[3] Workers on the trail cut leaves and debris into tiny pieces and push them to the side as they create trails. It has been observed that workers do this process in pairs, as they push debris to their fellow worker behind them.[4] As such, lines of five or more bees have been observed walking along trails nearby their nest. One purpose of these trails is to forage. This is unique because most bees forage via flight.[3]

Nest

[edit]

Structure

[edit]

The structure of the Bombus transversalis nest is very complex. It is cone-like in shape with two separate combs.[7] Oftentimes it is built off of existing nests, so there are many unused cells. The brood comb is built at the top and is surrounded by large honey silos. Some are filled with honey, but most are empty, as there is an abundant amount of storage.[3] There is one single entrance to the colony.[7] It is open and uncamouflaged but is usually guarded by 2–5 worker bees.[7] Entirety of the colony is covered in a heap of twigs, leaves, and roots which serve as a canopy. This heap is very dense and waterproof. It also provides an air space which helps the bees manage the temperature and humidity of the nest.[4]

Construction

[edit]

Another purpose of the trails created by Bombus transversalis is to build up the structure of the nest. Using the twigs, leaves, and litter on the forest floor, worker bees cut up the debris into fragments and then bring these pieces back to the nest to build onto the canopy. As long as the trails are continuously being used, workers will continue to clear the trails even if leaves fall from the trees above. As such, the trails which have been observed of the Bombus transversalis serve a dual purpose in both foraging and nest construction.[4]

Selection

[edit]

A queen Bombus transversalis must choose its nesting site very carefully if she hopes to have a successful colony. First, she must choose an area which has ideal soil and will not flood when it rains a lot.[4] Secondly, she must find adequate structural support for her nest. Oftentimes, this will take form in the roots of a large tree or among saplings and shrubs. This will give the workers a base to build the canopy for the colony and provide adequate shade for the nest.[7]

Controlling environment

[edit]

Most Bombus bees live in temperate climates and cannot withstand the humidity and heat of the tropics. The Bombus transversalis has adapted so that it can be resilient. Because of the structure of its nest with an interwoven canopy covering the colony, the bees are able to remain dry even during Amazonian deluges. A well-constructed canopy creates a small air space between the canopy and the brood and is able to insulate the colony and balance the moisture.[2] A weak colony will allow moisture into that air space, resulting in mold.[3] Additionally, it is believed that when the sun is at its hottest, workers will stand at the entrance of the colony and fan the nest to reduce temperature and humidity.[7]

Interactions with other species

[edit]

Army ants

[edit]

Since Bombus transversalis builds its nest on rainforest floors, it is very susceptible to predators on the ground. One such predator is the army ant Eciton hamatum. In a 100m2 area on the forest floor, there is a 50% chance of being raided by army ants over an eight-month period.[2] The main defensive mechanism of Bombus transversalis against these attacks is through its nest structure. The colony is covered with a dense canopy of leaves and roots. So, the only way to invade the colony is through the single nest entrance which remains guarded if it is not raining. While this does not prevent all attacks, it is an effective mechanism at times.[2]

Parasitoid wasps and moths

[edit]

Bombus transversalis is known to be parasitized by moths. The process of this is puzzling since the nest only has one entrance and is usually well-guarded. Somehow the moths are able to sneak through the entrance or are willingly allowed to pass through into the nest.[8] At that the point, the moth larvae will then feed on the host cells. Through observation of the Bombus transversalis and these moths, a new parasitoid wasp in the genus Apanteles was also discovered.[8]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Hatfield, Richard. "IUCN Assessments for North American Bombus spp. for the North American IUCN Bumble Bee Specialist Group". ResearchGate. Retrieved 2017-04-25.
  2. ^ a b c d e Ramírez, Santiago; Cameron, Sydney A. (2003-07-01). "Army Ant Attacks by Eciton hamatum and E. rapax (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on Nests of the Amazonian Bumble Bee, Bombus transversalis (Hymenoptera: Apidae)". Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society. 76 (3): 533–535. JSTOR 25086142.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Cameron, Sydney; Whitfield, James; Cohen, Miles; Thorp, Natalie (1999). "Novel Use of Walking Trails by the Amazonian Bumble Bee, Bombus Transversalis (Hymenoptera: Apidae)" (PDF). University of Campus Natural History Museum. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Taylor, Olivia Mariko; Cameron, Sydney A. (2003). "Nest construction and architecture of the Amazonian bumble bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae)". Apidologie. 34 (4): 321–331. doi:10.1051/apido:2003035.
  5. ^ a b c d Dornhaus, Anna; Cameron, Sydney (2003). "A scientific note on food alert in Bombus transversalis". Apidologie. 34 (1): 87–88. doi:10.1051/apido:2002045.
  6. ^ Gonzalez, Victor; Meija, Adriana; Ramussen, Claus (2004). "Ecology and nesting behavior of Bombus atratus Franklin in Andean Highlands (Hymenoptera: Apidae)". Journal of Hymenoptera Research. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Olesen, Jens Mogens (1989-05-01). "Behaviour and nest structure of the Amazonian Bombus transversalis in Ecuador". Journal of Tropical Ecology. 5 (2): 243–246. doi:10.1017/S0266467400003540. ISSN 1469-7831.
  8. ^ a b Whitfield, James; Cameron, Sydney; Ramirez, Santiago; Roesch, Kari; Messinger, Susanna; Taylor, Olivia; Cole, Dustin (2001). "Review of Apanteles Species (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) Attacking Lepidoptera in Bombus (Fervidobombus) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies in the New World, with Description of a New Species from South America" (PDF). Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 94 (6): 851–857. doi:10.1603/0013-8746(2001)094[0851:rotash]2.0.co;2. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
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