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<p>Mutualistic interactions between insects play crucial roles in tropical ecosystems, affecting pollination, herbivory, and nutrient cycling. While ant and wasp associations with honeydew-producing treehoppers are well studied, interactions involving fire bees remain poorly understood. Here, we present the first record of the fire bee <i>Oxytrigona banan</i>a Lepeco, 2024 interacting with the treehopper <i>Aetalion reticulatum</i> (Linnaeus, 1767). We conducted visual surveys and focal observations over two non-consecutive days, recording bee and treehopper numbers hourly. Additional interactions with other organisms, including researchers, were noted <i>ad libitum</i>. We also reviewed published, unpublished, and citizen science records of <i>Oxytrigona</i> species collecting honeydew from treehoppers. In our observations, 177 bees interacted with 155 treehoppers. Bee activity occurred between 0700&#xa0;h and 1700&#xa0;h, with no visits recorded after 1800&#xa0;h. Bees contacted treehoppers with their legs and antennae before collecting honeydew and displayed aggressive behaviors toward other bees and humans. Our review compiled 32 records of <i>Oxytrigona</i> species collecting honeydew from five treehopper species. These findings provide the first ecological insights into <i>O. banana</i> and significantly expand the known scope of fire bee–treehopper mutualisms.</p>

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Mutualistic interactions between fire bees and treehoppers

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月13日

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  • B. M. Gomes,
  • A. R. de Souza,
  • A. Lepeco,
  • F. S. do Nascimento,
  • L. D. Lima

摘要

Mutualistic interactions between insects play crucial roles in tropical ecosystems, affecting pollination, herbivory, and nutrient cycling. While ant and wasp associations with honeydew-producing treehoppers are well studied, interactions involving fire bees remain poorly understood. Here, we present the first record of the fire bee Oxytrigona banana Lepeco, 2024 interacting with the treehopper Aetalion reticulatum (Linnaeus, 1767). We conducted visual surveys and focal observations over two non-consecutive days, recording bee and treehopper numbers hourly. Additional interactions with other organisms, including researchers, were noted ad libitum. We also reviewed published, unpublished, and citizen science records of Oxytrigona species collecting honeydew from treehoppers. In our observations, 177 bees interacted with 155 treehoppers. Bee activity occurred between 0700 h and 1700 h, with no visits recorded after 1800 h. Bees contacted treehoppers with their legs and antennae before collecting honeydew and displayed aggressive behaviors toward other bees and humans. Our review compiled 32 records of Oxytrigona species collecting honeydew from five treehopper species. These findings provide the first ecological insights into O. banana and significantly expand the known scope of fire bee–treehopper mutualisms.