The Mangangá (Xylocopa spp., Apidae) as pollinators of the yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Deneger, Passifloraceae) in the perception of the residents of the gameleira dida, campo formoso, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

The bees popularly known as mangangás play a role as pollinators of many plant species with large flowers, including crops like passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Deneger, Passifloraceae). The present study discusses the knowledge and popular management of mangangá. The fieldwork was done from October 2009 to July 2010 in the village of Gameleira do Dida, in Campo Formoso, located in the north of Bahia State. Data was collected through open and semi-structured interviews. Most interviews were digitally recorded. The participants found positive impacts on the action of this insect in the cultures of passion fruit. They observe and know aspects related to the insect, as morphology, trophic ecology, foraging behavior, pollination, diurnal rhythms of visitation in flowers and reproduction. In the behavioral dimension, they make use of these specimens in the management of the passion fruit culture, when trees with nests of these insects are placed in the middle of the plantation, in order to have an increased productivity. The results favor the development of conservation plans, involving the expertise of local residents that could be deployed in the community to conserve caatinga plants pollinators.