A study of the biology of Epicharis (Epicharoides) picta using emergence-traps

By

Werneck, Hugo
Campos, Lúcio Antônio de Oliveira

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2020

Original Publication

Journal of Hymenoptera research

Volume

80

Pages

147--167

Subjects

cleptoparasitism , Emergence-trap , Ground-nesting bees , nest architecture , solitary bees

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Washington, D.C International Society of Hymenopterists

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.80.56898

 

Abstract

This study investigates the nesting habits ofEpicharis pictain a nest aggregation located in a fragment of the Atlantic forest in Southeastern Brazil. Ten emergence-traps were set up in this nest aggregation to standardize data collection of phenology, natural enemies, and sex ratio.Epicharis pictanests were in an area of 160 m² with a density of 41 nests/m². Nest and cell architecture are described.Epicharis pictais a protandrous, univoltine species with its emergence in this study occurring between 28 January and 15 April. We provide direct evidence of parasitism onE. pictabyRhathymus friesei,Tetraonyx sexguttataand T. aff. lycoides. The predatorApiomerus lanipeswas found to preyEpicharisfor the first time. We suggest the use of emergence-traps as tools to support studies of ground-nesting bees. In addition, we compile, update, and discuss data on the nesting biology of allEpicharissubgenera.