First record of fragrance collection by euglossine bees (Apidae: Euglossini) in Ganoderma (Polyporales, Ganodermataceae)

Background and Aims: Orchid bees and their relationships have been studied since the 1960’s. Data show that orchids are not the only source of fragrance for euglossine bees. Although mushrooms have been reported as a source of fragrance for orchid bees, there is no information about this between Ganoderma cf. applanatum and Euglossini bees. The aim of this work was to identify the bee tribe of Euglossini species that collect fragrances on the fruit body of Ganoderma cf. applanatum. Methods: Five samplings were carried out using an entomological aerial net directly on the fruit body of Ganoderma cf. applanatum during the dry season in April and May 2022 between 11:00 and 13:00 hours. Samplings were carried out in an agroforestry coffee system in the municipality of Jilotepec, Veracruz, Mexico. Ganoderma cf. applanatum was at the end of its spore releasing phase during this period. Key results: In the fruit body of Ganoderma cf. applanatum, particularly in the hymenium, male orchid bees were recorded collecting fragrances, of three genera and six euglossine species. Euglossa was the genus with the highest visit frequency of the hymenium of Ganoderma cf. applanatum. Conclusions: This report contributes to the documentation of the collection of fragrance by male euglossines on a mushroom (a non-floral scent source) and this activity is recorded for the first time in Mexico.