Nesting biology of Centris flavifrons (Friese) (Hymenoptera: apidae, centridini), one of the main pollinators of Byrsonima crassifolia L. kunth in maranhdo, Brazil

The Centridini has almost 176 species distributed mainly in the tropic regions of America. Although they are considered key pollinators in the maintenance of many vegetal species, data about their bionomics are restrict. Nesting activity is known for 11 species, out of the 21 that are considered pollinators of murici, Byrsonima crassifolia L. Kunth, a valuable bionionitoring specie. A study of the nesting biology of Centris flavifrons (Friese) was conducted in the state of Maranhao, Brazil, during the active period of the adults (May through December). Nests were aggregated. The females excavated their nests on flat surfaces of hard soils. Fifteen nests were dug and we only found cells in six of them. The nests architecture consisted of a single unbranched tunnel, with only one cell in the vertical position at the end, which was 25 cm to 50 cm away from the entrance. Nocturnal activity was observed in the nests building. The pollen analysis of the contents of four cells allowed to identify 23 floral species, six of them Malpighiaceae. Six floral species were registered visiting C. flavifrons by the first time: Lecythis lurida (Miers) Mori, Hymenea courbaril L., Myrcea sp., Protium sp., Tetrapterys sp. and Thalisia sp.