Notes on the nesting of three species of Megachilinae in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, UAE

By

Gess, Sarah K
Roosenchoon, Peter

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2017

Original Publication

Journal of Hymenoptera research

Volume

54

Pages

43-56

Subjects

Leaves , Megachilinae , Nests , plastic , resin , Sand , trap-nests

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Washington, D.C International Society of Hymenopterists

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.54.11290

 

Abstract

Some observations on the nesting of three species belonging to phylogenetically interesting lineages of Megachilinae are presented. Published knowledge of the nesting of these species, Megachile (Maximegachile) maxillosa Guérin-Méneville (Megachilini), Megachile (Eurymella) patellimana Spinola (Megachilini), and Pseudoheriades grandiceps Peters (currently assigned to the Osmiini), is fragmentary making the notes presented here a worthwhile addition. The brood cells of M. maxillosa and of P. grandiceps, constructed from a mixture of resin and sand, were positioned in pre-existing cavities, trap-nests, above ground. The cells of the former are equal in diameter to the boring and are constructed in linear series. Those of the latter are small ovoid and are grouped to form a cluster. Megachile patellimana was nesting in burrows in compacted sandy ground beneath a plant and in the banks of an irrigation furrow. At the former site a female was carrying a freshly cut leaf piece and at the latter another was carrying a cut length of narrow, tough, green plastic. The nest contained a group of identical lengths of plastic, clearly a substitute for leaves.