Synthetic musk compounds (MUSK) or synthetic fragrances are organic substances commonly used as fragrant constituents of perfumes, detergents, cosmetics and personal care products. These compounds are discharged after use via domestic wastewater and sewage treatment plants to the aquatic environment. The result is accumulation in the environment and occurrence in a food chain especially of aquatic and marine ecosystems. Synthetic musk compounds are also found in surface water, fish tissues and also in body fluid (blood, urine, milk) and tissues of human body. Quantitative detection and studying properties of these compounds is an important activity because we have low knowledge about their fate in the environment (persistence, bioaccumulation) and toxicity. This diploma thesis is focused on three commonly used synthetic fragrances – tonalide, musk ketone and musk xylene. The base of this study was to perform a method optimisation for the determination of selected compounds in water and water biota (fish). The aim was determination of selected musk compounds in real samples (water, fish) and evaluation of the results. Pressurized solvent extraction (PSE) for fish samples and solid phase microextraction (SPME) for water samples were used for isolation of analytes from samples. The identification and quantification of analytes was carried out by high resolution gas chromatography – mass spectrometry.

Les composés oxygénés de faible poids moléculaire présentent un fort intérêt en chimie des parfums. Un grand nombre d’odorants contiennent un ou plusieurs cycles au sein de leur structure. Ce travail de thèse est dédié au développement de nouvelles carbocyclisations intramoléculaires de dérivés d’éthers d’énol catalysées par des (super)acides de Lewis. L’étude s’intéresse à la réactivité bivalente des alcools (bis)allyliques portant une fonction alkoxy. Dans ce contexte, la réactivité de la fonction éther d’énol en présence d’un alcool allylique a été développée en présence d’acides de Lewis et de Brønsted comme catalyseurs. En l’occurrence, une chimiodivergence contrôlée par le substrat a été démontrée pour des précurseurs dérivés de différents types d’éthers d’énol. Ainsi, des cyclopenténones ont été formées par électrocyclisation catalysée par le triflate de bismuth(III). Ou alors, des cétones insaturées α-oxygénées ou soufrées ont été obtenues par activation préferentielle de l’éther d’énol en présence de l’acide ptoluènesulfonique. Une étude mécanistique a été effectuée mettant en avant la différence entre la catalyse par acides de Lewis et de Brønsted ainsi que l’influence de l’acidité du catalyseur. Il a été possible de contrôler la chimiodivergence par le catalyseur dans le cas des dérivés du phenyl vinyl sulfure. Deux produits différents ont été obtenus à partir d’un seul substrat de départ en utilisant des systèmes catalytiques robustes et peu onéreux. La plupart des nouveaux composés présentent des notes olfactives intéressantes. En outre, l’électrocyclisation catalysée par le triflate de bismuth a été appliquée à la synthèse de la rotundone, un odorant naturel à la note typique du poivre. / Oxygenated low molecular weight compounds are of particular interest in fragrance chemistry. A large number of odorants present one or more rings within their structure. This work is dedicated to the development of novel intramolecular carbocyclizations of enol ether derivatives catalyzed by Lewis (super)acids. The study turns around the dual reactivity of alkoxy-substituted bis(allylic) alcohols. In this context, the behavior of the enol ether function in the presence of an allylic alcohol has been elaborated under Lewis and Brønsted acid-catalysis. Hereby, a pronounced substrate-controlled chemodivergence as demonstrated for precursors derived from different types of enol ethers. Either, cyclopentenones were formed by electrocyclization under bismuthIII triflate catalysis, or a skeletal rearrangement after preferential activation of the enol ether in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic led to α-oxygenated or αsulfenylated unsaturated ketones. Mechanistic studies have been performed and the difference between Lewis and Brønsted acid-catalysis as well as the influence of the catalyst acidity have been highlighted. The chemodivergence could be tuned by the nature of the catalyst in the case of phenyl vinyl sulfide derivatives. Two different products were obtained from a single and easily accessible starting material using robust, air- and water-compatible catalytic systems. Most of the new compounds presented interesting olfactory notes. The developed bismuthIII triflate-catalyzed electrocyclization was further applied to the total synthesis of the natural pepper odorant rotundone.

Globalization and the rapid growth of online-transaction through e-commerce platforms is increasing at a fast pace, not to mention the acceleration during and after the pandemic of Covid-19. The purpose with this qualitative case study of a company operating in the fragrance industry is to give a better understanding of how a company successfully succeeded in internationalizing by utilizing a B2B e-commerce strategy, and how the same company can change strategy to utilize B2C e-commerce to enter a new market which in this case are Sweden. A key factor of the company's success turned out to be the building of the customer and supplier network, and the tight collaboration with already existing giants in the market to attract suppliers in the first place. This allowed the company to provide good customer service, and a variety of products. Further, to be able to enter the Swedish market promotional activities, a customer-centric website that provides in store-like experience, close relationships with their consumers, and cooperation with brand suppliers to build a strong strategic alliance has been shown as important factors in order to succeed in a B2C e-commerce internationalization process.

Doctor of Philosophy / Food Science Institute / Edgar Chambers, IV / Three independent panels evaluated a total of 22 scents. Two panels were highly trained in sensory analysis techniques and performed descriptive analysis of the fragrances. In the third panel, 318 untrained respondents completed demographic questionnaires, personality tests, and surveys on fragrance attitudes and behaviors. They also evaluated the 22 scents: their perceptions of the fragrances’ sensory qualities and hedonic value were recorded, as well as the images and personalities they associated with these particular fragrances. Some methodological issues were tested, emphasizing the need for standardized procedures and consistency in fragrance evaluation. The use of consistent methodology in the preparation of fragrance samples is critical to accurately assess fragrance sensory properties. Additionally, consistent use of validated questionnaires constitutes an important strength for the fragrance industry: to better understand consumers, develop marketing strategies, and improve customers’ guidance and education. The interplay of individual differences with fragrance perception, whether from an attitudinal, sensorial, hedonic, or associative standpoint, appears complex. From a perceptual standpoint, sensory profiles generated by trained panels were representative of consumers’ perceptions, yet trained panelists discriminated better among fragrances and provided more detailed and actionable profiles. From an attitudinal and behavioral standpoint, demographic and psychological differences explained independent aspects of motivations and attitudes toward fragrances, but were not sufficient to fully account for the variability in attitudinal and behavioral patterns. Lastly, in terms of fragrance perception and image and personality associations, the combination of both intrinsic sensory characteristics and fragrance hedonic value was necessary to understand patterns of image and personality traits associated with fragrances. Interestingly, most findings were consistent even when individual differences in liking patterns for fragrances were taken into account. However, some specific dimensions, such as mood associations were preferred by clusters of respondents and depended upon individual differences. Although more research is needed to better understand the interrelationships among individual differences and all aspects of fragrance perception in real-life settings, this research provided valuable insights into these phenomena – insights that have direct implications, including understanding consumer perceptual processes, assessing potential influences of fragrances on social interactions, and providing strategic planning for marketing and advertising of personal fragrances.

The flavour or fragrance of Basmati rice is associated with the presence of 2-acetyl-1- pyrroline. This work shows that a gene with homology to betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BAD) has significant polymorphisms in the coding region of fragrant genotypes relative to non fragrant genotypes. Accumulation of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline in fragrant rice genotypes may be explained by the presence of mutations resulting in loss of function of the fgr gene product. The fgr gene corresponds to the gene encoding BAD2 in rice while BAD1 is encoded by a gene on chromosome 4. Development of an allele specific amplification (ASA) based around the deletion in the gene encoding BAD2 allows, perfect, simple and low cost discrimination between fragrant and non-fragrant rice varieties and identifies homozygous fragrant, homozygous non-fragrant and heterozygous non-fragrant individuals in a population segregating for fragrance. The cDNAs transcribed from rice chromosomes 4 and 8, each encoding an enzyme with homology to betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase were cloned and expressed in E. coli. The enzyme responsible for fragrance, encoded from chromosome 8, had optimum activity at pH 10, showed low affinity towards betaine aldehyde (bet-ald) with Km value of approximately 63ìM but a higher affinity towards -aminobutyraldehyde (GABald) with a Km value of approximately 9ìM. The enzyme encoded from chromosome 4 had optimum activity at pH 9.5 and showed generally lower affinity towards most substrates compared to the enzyme encoded from chromosome 8, substrate specificities suggest that the enzymes have higher specificity to aminoaldehydes and as such both should be renamed as an aminoaldehyde dehydrogenase (AAD). The inactivation of AAD2 (BAD2) in fragrant rice varieties likely leads to accumulation of its main substrate GABald which then cyclises to 1-pyrroline the immediate precursor of 2AP.

The flavour or fragrance of Basmati rice is associated with the presence of 2-acetyl-1- pyrroline. This work shows that a gene with homology to betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BAD) has significant polymorphisms in the coding region of fragrant genotypes relative to non fragrant genotypes. Accumulation of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline in fragrant rice genotypes may be explained by the presence of mutations resulting in loss of function of the fgr gene product. The fgr gene corresponds to the gene encoding BAD2 in rice while BAD1 is encoded by a gene on chromosome 4. Development of an allele specific amplification (ASA) based around the deletion in the gene encoding BAD2 allows, perfect, simple and low cost discrimination between fragrant and non-fragrant rice varieties and identifies homozygous fragrant, homozygous non-fragrant and heterozygous non-fragrant individuals in a population segregating for fragrance. The cDNAs transcribed from rice chromosomes 4 and 8, each encoding an enzyme with homology to betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase were cloned and expressed in E. coli. The enzyme responsible for fragrance, encoded from chromosome 8, had optimum activity at pH 10, showed low affinity towards betaine aldehyde (bet-ald) with Km value of approximately 63ìM but a higher affinity towards -aminobutyraldehyde (GABald) with a Km value of approximately 9ìM. The enzyme encoded from chromosome 4 had optimum activity at pH 9.5 and showed generally lower affinity towards most substrates compared to the enzyme encoded from chromosome 8, substrate specificities suggest that the enzymes have higher specificity to aminoaldehydes and as such both should be renamed as an aminoaldehyde dehydrogenase (AAD). The inactivation of AAD2 (BAD2) in fragrant rice varieties likely leads to accumulation of its main substrate GABald which then cyclises to 1-pyrroline the immediate precursor of 2AP.

Fragrances are added to food, cosmetics and other products primarily for enhancement of their sensory quality (taste and/or aroma). However, the usage of these compounds is associated with the wide range of various adverse biological effects. Some fragrances widely used in cosmetics are proved to cause e.g. skin sensitization, rashes, dermatitis, headache, cough etc. To protect the health of consumers, European union approved the cosmetic directive (ES/1223/2009) that requires the labeling of 26 allergen fragrances on the final product label, if concentration exceeds the given level (0,01 % for rinse-off and 0,001 % for leave-on product). However, some producers hide the presence of allergens in the final product under the general term „aroma“. For this reason it is very important to monitor the content of these substances in cosmetic products. Fragrances are found not only in cosmetics, but the various types of food are also aromatized by them. Unlike cosmetics, the food producers are not obliged to label the presence of fragrance allergens on the packaging. Therefore, the monitoring of these fragrances is highly desirable because of the potential health risks they pose. The aim of this study was to develop a method for simultaneous determination of regulated fragrance allergens in food and everyday use products. The method based on extraction of analytes by solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography with FID detection (HS-SPME-GC-FID) was chosen on the basis of the literature review. The fiber CAR/PDMS provided the highest extraction efficiency among the SPME fibers tested. Univariate and multivariate data analysis were used to optimize the main parameters affecting microextraction process. The final method validation was performed in terms of linearity, repeatability, reproducibility, recovery, limits of detection and quantification. The optimized and validated method was applied to a wide range of products including cosmetics, aromatized food and fragranced toys. These products were also subjected to sensory evaluation especially in terms of taste and/or aroma (i.e. flavour), which may be associated with the content of the monitored fragrances. The profile test (EN ISO 13299) and seven-point category ordinal scale (ISO 4121) were used for sensory evaluation.

Les molécules polycycliques, et notamment les éthers spirocycliques, sont des structures présentant un fort intérêt dans le domaine de la chimie des parfums. Cette thèse est dédiée au développement de nouvelles cycloisomérisations de dérivés d’éthers d’énol catalysées par le triflate de bismuth(III). Une étude bibliographique a ainsi été consacrée aux réactions de cyclisation catalysées par Bi(OTf)3. Une réaction de cycloisomérisation d’éthers d’énol alléniques permettant la formation rapide de produits cyclopenténiques et dihydrofuraniques a été développée. Des dérivés oxaspirocycliques ont été obtenus à partir de substrats trifonctionnels possédant un éther d’énol cyclique et une fonction alcool additionnelle. La chimiodivergence de ces réactions a été étudiée avec l’activation préférentielle de l’allène par des catalyseurs à base d’or(I) menant à d’autres structures cyclopenténiques. Une réaction de double cyclisation a été développée donnant un accès privilégié à des produits polycycliques pontés comportant un motif oxaspirocyclique. Des études mécanistiques ont été effectuées et une nouvelle cyclisation tandem impliquant un transfert d’hydrure-1,5 a été étudiée. La réaction de double cyclisation de dérivés du campholénal énantioenrichis a ensuite été développée pour la formation de bis-éthers tétracycliques et de cétones tricycliques. La plupart de ces nouveaux composés présentent des notes remarquables, principalement dans les familles olfactives aromatiques et boisées. / Polycyclic compounds and more specifically, spirocyclic ethers are of particular interest in fragrance chemistry. This thesis is dedicated to the development of new cycloisomerisations of enol ether derivatives by bismuth(III) triflate catalysis. In this way, a bibliographic study has been carried out on cyclisations catalysed by bismuth(III) triflate. A cycloisomerisation of allenic enol ethers has been developed for the straightforward synthesis of cyclopentene and dihydrofuran derivatives. New oxaspirocyclic compounds have been obtained starting from trifunctional substrates containing a cyclic enol ether and an additional hydroxyl group. The chemodivergence of this reaction has been studied by means of gold(I) catalysis to access different cyclopentenic structures via the preferential activation of the allene. A double cyclisation reaction has been developed leading to bridged polycyclic compounds featuring an oxaspirocyclic moiety. Mechanistic studies have been performed and a tandem cyclisation involving a 1,5-hydride shift has been studied. The double cyclisation of enantioenriched campholenic aldehyde derivatives has been investigated for the formation of tetracyclic diethers and tricyclic ketones. Most of the new compounds presented interesting notes, mainly in the aromatic and woody olfactory family.

A Mata Atlântica é considerada uma das grandes prioridades para a conservação de biodiversidade em todo o continente americano. Este bioma é um dos oito hotspots do planeta e caracteriza-se pelo alto grau de endemismo e pela alta diversidade de espécies que encerra. As abelhas Euglossini estão restritas à região Neotropical, com uma faixa de distribuição que se estende desde o Norte do México até a província de Córdoba, na Argentina. As espécies dessa tribo são abundantes em florestas tropicais úmidas/chuvosas e florestas subtropicais da América Central e América do Sul onde ocorrem em maior diversidade. Em virtude do alto impacto causado pelas ações humanas em áreas de Mata Atlântica e o pouco que se conhece sobre sua diversidade, este trabalho propõe um estudo geral sobre a estrutura das comunidades de espécies de Euglossini presentes em uma área de planície litorânea continental, Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar - Núcleo Picinguaba (PESM), e uma área insular, Parque Estadual da Ilha Anchieta (PEIA), no município de Ubatuba, norte de São Paulo, Brasil. O PESM abrange uma área de aproximadamente 47.500 hectares e quase todos os ecossitemas da Mata Atlântica são encontrados em seus domínios. O PEIA cobre toda a extensão da Ilha Anchieta (828 hectares), distante cerca de 600 m do continente. As coletas foram realizadas mensalmente, de Agosto/2007 a Julho/2009, com o uso de 14 compostos aromáticos utilizados como iscas artificiais para a atração de machos, além de indivíduos coletados em flores. Mil quinhentos e setenta e seis espécimes (73 fêmeas e 1503 machos), pertencentes a 24 espécies, foram registrados no presente trabalho. A espécie mais abundante foi Euglossa cordata (36,4%), seguida por Euglossa iopoecila (13,9%) e Euglossa sapphirina (13,3%). Dezoito espécies foram amostradas na Ilha Anchieta, sendo que quatro delas foram exclusivas desta área, ao passo que 20 espécies foram amostradas no PESM e seis delas foram registradas apenas neste local. Na Ilha Anchieta, Eg. cordata representou 63,2%, quase dois terços do total de espécies coletadas. Já em Picinguaba, Eg. iopoecila (23,0%) e Eg. sapphirina (21,0%) foram as duas espécies dominantes. A espécie Eg. iopoecila, a mais abundante na área continental, não foi registrada na llha e Eg. sapphirina, a segunda espécie mais frequente no PESM, foi representada apenas por nove indivíduos na Ilha Anchieta e por 200 em Picinguaba. Estes dados sugerem que essas duas espécies podem atuar como bioindicadores de ambientes preservados, como sugerido para outras espécies de Euglossini. Por outro lado, alguns autores evidenciaram que Eg. cordata é uma espécie favorecida por ambientes perturbados, o que pode estar associado à sua alta abundância na Ilha Anchieta. Dados de literatura mostram que há um sinal evidente de perturbação ambiental, além da perda de espécies, é a dominância de algumas espécies. A Ilha Anchieta apresenta um longo histórico de ocupação humana e diversas espécies de plantas e animais foram introduzidos em seus domínios. / The Atlantic Forest is considered as one of the highest priorities for the conservation of biodiversity in the American continent. This biome is one of the eight biodiversity hotspots in the world and is characterized by high species diversity and endemism. Euglossini bees are restricted to the Neotropics, with a geographic range that extends from northern Mexico to the Córdoba Province in Argentine. Species from this tribe are abundant in humid and rainy tropical forests and in sub-tropical forests of Central and South America, where their diversity is high. Due to the high impact caused by human activities in the Atlantic Forest and the poor knowledge on its biodiversity, in the present study we assessed the community structure of the Euglossini in a coastal lowland area: Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar - Núcleo Picinguaba (PESM); and in an insular area: Parque Estadual da Ilha Anchieta (PEIA), Ubatuba, both located in northern São Paulo State, Brazil. PESM has an area of approximately 47.500 ha and almost all ecosystems of the Atlantic Forest are found within its domains. PEIA covers all the extension of the Anchieta Island (828 ha), about 600 m away from the continent. Sampling was carried out monthly, from August 2007 to July 2009, using artificial baits with 14 aromatic compounds to attract males, as well as by collecting individuals on flowers. One thousand five hundred and seventy-six specimens (73 females and 1,503 males), represented by 24 species were recorded. The most abundant species was Euglossa cordata (36.4%), followed by Euglossa iopoecila (13.9%) and Euglossa sapphirina (13.3%). Eighteen species were sampled on Anchieta Island and four of them were exclusive to this area; whereas 20 species were sampled in PESM and six of them were only recorded there. On Anchieta Island, E. cordata represented almost two thirds of the total species collected (63.2%). In Picinguaba, E. iopoecila (23.0%) and E. sapphirina (21.0%) were the dominant species. E. iopoecila, the most abundant species in the continental area, was not recorded on the island, and E. sapphirina, the second most frequent species in PESM, was represented only by nine individuals on Anchieta Island and by 200 in Picinguaba. Results suggest that these two species may act as bioindicators of preserved environments, as suggested for other Euglossini species. However, some authors evidenced that E. cordata is favored by disturbed environments, which may be associated with its high abundance on Anchieta Island. Other studies show that an evident sign of environmental perturbation, besides species loss, is the dominance of some species. Anchieta Island exhibits a long history of human occupation and several plant and animal species were introduced there.

A Mata Atlântica é considerada uma das grandes prioridades para a conservação de biodiversidade em todo o continente americano. Este bioma é um dos oito hotspots do planeta e caracteriza-se pelo alto grau de endemismo e pela alta diversidade de espécies que encerra. As abelhas Euglossini estão restritas à região Neotropical, com uma faixa de distribuição que se estende desde o Norte do México até a província de Córdoba, na Argentina. As espécies dessa tribo são abundantes em florestas tropicais úmidas/chuvosas e florestas subtropicais da América Central e América do Sul onde ocorrem em maior diversidade. Em virtude do alto impacto causado pelas ações humanas em áreas de Mata Atlântica e o pouco que se conhece sobre sua diversidade, este trabalho propõe um estudo geral sobre a estrutura das comunidades de espécies de Euglossini presentes em uma área de planície litorânea continental, Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar - Núcleo Picinguaba (PESM), e uma área insular, Parque Estadual da Ilha Anchieta (PEIA), no município de Ubatuba, norte de São Paulo, Brasil. O PESM abrange uma área de aproximadamente 47.500 hectares e quase todos os ecossitemas da Mata Atlântica são encontrados em seus domínios. O PEIA cobre toda a extensão da Ilha Anchieta (828 hectares), distante cerca de 600 m do continente. As coletas foram realizadas mensalmente, de Agosto/2007 a Julho/2009, com o uso de 14 compostos aromáticos utilizados como iscas artificiais para a atração de machos, além de indivíduos coletados em flores. Mil quinhentos e setenta e seis espécimes (73 fêmeas e 1503 machos), pertencentes a 24 espécies, foram registrados no presente trabalho. A espécie mais abundante foi Euglossa cordata (36,4%), seguida por Euglossa iopoecila (13,9%) e Euglossa sapphirina (13,3%). Dezoito espécies foram amostradas na Ilha Anchieta, sendo que quatro delas foram exclusivas desta área, ao passo que 20 espécies foram amostradas no PESM e seis delas foram registradas apenas neste local. Na Ilha Anchieta, Eg. cordata representou 63,2%, quase dois terços do total de espécies coletadas. Já em Picinguaba, Eg. iopoecila (23,0%) e Eg. sapphirina (21,0%) foram as duas espécies dominantes. A espécie Eg. iopoecila, a mais abundante na área continental, não foi registrada na llha e Eg. sapphirina, a segunda espécie mais frequente no PESM, foi representada apenas por nove indivíduos na Ilha Anchieta e por 200 em Picinguaba. Estes dados sugerem que essas duas espécies podem atuar como bioindicadores de ambientes preservados, como sugerido para outras espécies de Euglossini. Por outro lado, alguns autores evidenciaram que Eg. cordata é uma espécie favorecida por ambientes perturbados, o que pode estar associado à sua alta abundância na Ilha Anchieta. Dados de literatura mostram que há um sinal evidente de perturbação ambiental, além da perda de espécies, é a dominância de algumas espécies. A Ilha Anchieta apresenta um longo histórico de ocupação humana e diversas espécies de plantas e animais foram introduzidos em seus domínios. / The Atlantic Forest is considered as one of the highest priorities for the conservation of biodiversity in the American continent. This biome is one of the eight biodiversity hotspots in the world and is characterized by high species diversity and endemism. Euglossini bees are restricted to the Neotropics, with a geographic range that extends from northern Mexico to the Córdoba Province in Argentine. Species from this tribe are abundant in humid and rainy tropical forests and in sub-tropical forests of Central and South America, where their diversity is high. Due to the high impact caused by human activities in the Atlantic Forest and the poor knowledge on its biodiversity, in the present study we assessed the community structure of the Euglossini in a coastal lowland area: Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar - Núcleo Picinguaba (PESM); and in an insular area: Parque Estadual da Ilha Anchieta (PEIA), Ubatuba, both located in northern São Paulo State, Brazil. PESM has an area of approximately 47.500 ha and almost all ecosystems of the Atlantic Forest are found within its domains. PEIA covers all the extension of the Anchieta Island (828 ha), about 600 m away from the continent. Sampling was carried out monthly, from August 2007 to July 2009, using artificial baits with 14 aromatic compounds to attract males, as well as by collecting individuals on flowers. One thousand five hundred and seventy-six specimens (73 females and 1,503 males), represented by 24 species were recorded. The most abundant species was Euglossa cordata (36.4%), followed by Euglossa iopoecila (13.9%) and Euglossa sapphirina (13.3%). Eighteen species were sampled on Anchieta Island and four of them were exclusive to this area; whereas 20 species were sampled in PESM and six of them were only recorded there. On Anchieta Island, E. cordata represented almost two thirds of the total species collected (63.2%). In Picinguaba, E. iopoecila (23.0%) and E. sapphirina (21.0%) were the dominant species. E. iopoecila, the most abundant species in the continental area, was not recorded on the island, and E. sapphirina, the second most frequent species in PESM, was represented only by nine individuals on Anchieta Island and by 200 in Picinguaba. Results suggest that these two species may act as bioindicators of preserved environments, as suggested for other Euglossini species. However, some authors evidenced that E. cordata is favored by disturbed environments, which may be associated with its high abundance on Anchieta Island. Other studies show that an evident sign of environmental perturbation, besides species loss, is the dominance of some species. Anchieta Island exhibits a long history of human occupation and several plant and animal species were introduced there.