Variação sazonal das condições internas de colônias de Melipona marginata obscurior Moure, no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

摘要: The knowledge of the internal conditions Melipona marginata obscurior Moure, 1971 colonies, through year, is important for understanding behavior and handling stingless bees. This work aims biological study M. in its natural environment, whith emphasis on seasonal variation colonies. Four colonies were studied at Centro de Pesquisas e Conservacao da Natureza Pro-Mata, Sao Francisco Paula, Rio Grande do Sul. It was valuated nest volume, diapause occurrence duration, total number combs brood cells two last combs. For four initial involucrum volume similar, varying from 2.26 to 2.69 liter. In final valuation, it observed that colony A reduced 5%, while others grow up 61% (colony B), 84% (C) 71% (D). From monthly monitoring shown occurred three (B, C D), remained ininterruptly with posture. ceased construction posture queen during autumn restarted this activity winter. It’s suggested period (8 23 weeks) determined by factors maximal combs, registered spring summer, varied 6 8, 116 1190 cells. possible recognize patterns, as well variations related covering, among obvious can be credited intrinsic characteristics