This study examines the relative abundance and species richness of bees in sand dunes of the middle São Francisco River, Bahia, northeast Brazil. Comparisons were made with other studies in caatinga areas. The sampling took place in March, September, December 1996 and March 1997, using entomological net. The study site is located in Ibiraba (10º48'S, 42º50'W), municipal district of Barra, Bahia state. The climate is semi arid hot and dry. The predominant local vegetation is caatinga. A total of 931 individuals and 31 species were netted at flowers or during flight. Most of the species were represented by few individuals and only eight species were abundant, together accounting for 87,6% of the total individuals. Anthophoridae showed the highest number of species (52%). Most of the individuals bee (75%) were eusocial Apidae. At specific level, Apis mellifera Linnaeus and Frieseomellita silvestri languida Moure were predominant; 34,9% and 16% of total individuals, respectively. The bees were more abundant during the rainy season; this seasonal pattern was similar to other caatinga areas.
Insecta; Apoidea; community structure; caatinga; abundance; species richness
