In Partamona cupira, caste determination follows the general patterns of Trigonini bees. The effects of the juvenile hormone and the amount of food on the process were studied. The frequency of queens increased with the quantity of food ingest by the larvae and or whith the amount of juvenile hormone topically applicated. Queens emerged earlier than workers. Intercastes were not found, sugesting that castes differentiation is a canalised process in this species.
Hymenoptera; Apidae; Meliponinae; Partamona cupira