Abstract
The bee fauna of two high altitude areas in southeastern Brazil is compared to that of surrounding lowlands. Four different geographic distribution patterns are recognized: species may be a) widespread in the region regardless of altitude; b) widespread in the lowland but not reaching altitudes above around 1300 m; c) restricted to the mountains of southeastern Brazil; or d) common to these mountains and to mountains and/or lowlands south of about 24’ latitude south. This last set of species may be a remnant fauna associated with the subtropical and temperate vegetation that advanced northward in cold periods. This relict fauna may be descendant of populations that have been trapped on the top of mountain ranges by the development of a warmer climate. It is also suggested that a relationship may exist between the bee fauna of the southeastern mountains fields and that of the “cerrado”; and related vegetations.

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