A semi-artificial diet for Scaptotrigona depilis moure (Hymenoptera, Apidae)
Author(s)
Pedro G. Fernandes-Da-Silva And Fernando Sergio Zucoloto
Abstract
Three semi-artificial diets for Scaptotrigona depilis were devised and tested for use during times of pollen shortage. Diet 1 consisted of brewer's yeast and 50% sucrose. Diet 2 consisting of 20 g brewer's yeast, 1.5 g pollen from the colony, and 30 ml 50% commercial sucrose was allowed to ferment for 15 days at 28 to 30°C. Diet 3 was the same as Diet 2 but was not allowed to ferment. A control group received pollen from the colony and 50% commercial sucrose. Based on analysis of hypopharyngeal gland acini and on oocyte size, Diet 2 appeared to be a good substitute for the natural food of the species.
