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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Logan, Utah » Pollinating Insect-Biology, Management, Systematics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #206720
Title: Capitulo 18. Apoidea: Las Abejas. In: I. Gauld & P. Hanson, Hymenoptera de la Region Neotropical

Author
item Griswold, Terry
item HANSON, PAUL - UNIV COSTA RIC
item ALVOS DOS SANTOS, ISABEL - UNIV SAO PAULO

Submitted to: American Entomological Institute
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/24/2005
Publication Date: 3/15/2006
Citation: Griswold, T.L., Hanson, P.E., Alvos Dos Santos, I. 2006. Capitulo 18. Apoidea: Las Abejas. In: I. Gauld & P. Hanson, Hymenoptera de la Region Neotropical. American Entomological Institute.

Interpretive Summary: This chapter provides a comprehensive characterization of the bees of the Neotropics from southern Mexico south. The Neotropical bee fauna is diverse: five families, 189 genera and 3683 described species with many additional species expected. The biology, especially nesting, floral relationships, and social behavior are described. Accounts are provided for each of the subfamilies and tribes. Tables of genera are provided for each higher taxon that include distribution, number of described species, and biological notes. Recent taxonomic literature is referenced. The economic importance of bees is discussed.

Technical Abstract: This chapter provides a comprehensive characterization of the bees of the Neotropics, the region from southern Mexico to the southern tip of South America. The bees of this region are very diverse. There are over 3680 species known with many additional species yet to be discovered. The biology, especially nesting, floral relationships, and social behavior, are described. Accounts are provided for the groups of bees (subfamilies and tribes).Tables are provided for each group that list genera and their distribution, number of described species, and provide biological notes. Sources for recent identification keys are given. The economic importance of bees is discussed.