Considering the high attractivity of aromatic baits used to capture euglossine bees, which may lure insects from long distances, I am looking for positive or negative evidence of this sampling method on euglossine populations. Specifically, which chemicals are more attractive and what distance do they act? Should there be a limit to the periodicity of sampling in order not to reduce bee populations?
I think that these impacts may be positive or negative, and are often un-quantified.
Males are quickly attracted to synthetic bait traps that stimulate floral fragrances primarily due to the fact that these are also the floral fragrances that female bees release in order to attract the males. A study conducted on Euglossine bee communities in the Atlantic Forest in Brazil used aromatic traps that contained contained methyl cinnamate, vanillin, eucalyptol, benzyl acetate, and methyl salicylate. A total of 1158 males were collected, verifying the fact that aromatic baits are very effective and allow for a faster specimen collection. Aromatic baits, however, can also pose problematic effects since during mating season, male bees may go for the bait traps instead of going for the females thus hindering reproduction.
This information was taken from the attached links. You may refer to them to further help you with your study.
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rbent/v56n2/aop1812.pdf
Article Methodological concerns and challenges in ecological studies...
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