Determinação de sexo em abelhas: XXX. Influência da quantidade de alimento e do hormônio juvenil na determinação das castas em Partamona cupira helleri (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponinae)

In Partamona cupira, caste determination follows the general patterns of Trigonini bees. The effects of the juvenile hormone and the amount of food on the process were studied. The frequency of queens increased with the quantity of food ingest by the larvae and or whith the amount of juvenile hormone topically applicated. Queens emerged earlier than workers. Intercastes were not found, sugesting that castes differentiation is a canalised process in this species.