Comparative morphology of the third pair of legs in drones and workers of Tetragonisca angustula (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract

The stingless bees are important models for behavioral studies. The most complex level of social behavior is exhibited by bee species that have a high degree of morphological variation between castes. The drone is often overlooked due to its limited functions. Comparative biology studies would help expand our knowledge of this sex. The aim of this study was to compare the microscopic structures of the third pair of legs of drones and workers of Tetragonisca angustula. We found similarities and differences that contribute to our knowledge of the behavior of stingless bees. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the microscopic comparison of structures of the third pair of legs of drones and workers of Tetragonisca angustula.