Vertical stratification in orchid bees (Apidae: Euglossini)?: a meta‑analysis

Abstract – Vertical stratification of animal assemblages has been observed in several arthropod taxa. However,
for some groups there is conflicting evidence, such as for the neotropical orchid bees. Here, we used a metaanalysis
to evaluate trends in abundance and diversity of euglossine bees across strata. We found no evidence of
stratification in terms of diversity, but abundance was higher in the understory. Our results highlight the effect
of sampling technique as a source of heterogeneity. For instance, studies that used McPhail traps reported higher
diversity, higher similarity between strata, and were more accurate for quantifying abundance, as compared to
improvised traps. Studies that used higher number of bait types sampled higher diversity in general. The higher
abundance in the understory tended to decrease with the number of bait types used. Variables like elevation
and latitude of the study influenced bees’ distribution. We also discuss other influential variables, ecological
implications, and recommend areas for future research.

Autor:

Dumas Galvez

Yostin Jesús Añino Ramos
Emilio Eduardo Romero 

Editorial: Estación Científica Coiba AIP
Tamaño: 2.9Mb
Soporte: Digital
Formato: Pdf (.pdf)
Idioma: Ingles