Small-scale elevational variation in the abundance of Eufriesea violacea (Blanchard) (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Eufriesea violacea (Blanchard) males were sampled in a small-scale elevational gradient in Southeastern Brazil and showed sequential peaks of abundance from lowest (700 m) to highest (1,100 m) altitudes during the sampling period. The influence of the temperature on the length of the egg-to-adult period and flowering dates of plants producing food (nectar) suggests that it may be one of the factors determining the distribution of male abundance along the altitudinal gradient. The results emphasize the importance of obtaining altitudinal stratified samples when studying Euglossini populations, especially when the studies are done at sites with marked topographical variation.