Title:

Notes on nesting and lower visiting of some Anthidiine Bees (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae: Megachilinae: Anthidiini) in Southern Africa

Author(s):
Publication Year:
2007
Abstract:

For Anthidiini occurring in southern Africa, descriptive notes on nests of seven species belonging to three genera, have been published. All are constructed from plant fibres and, depending upon the species, are situated aerially on plants or in pre-existing cavities. To these are added first descriptions of nests of three further species representing three genera. Serapista ruftpes (Friese), like the only other species of Serapista, S. denticulata (Smith), for which nesting is known, was found to construct nests from plant fibres, however, although similarly found aerially on plant stems, a nest with its builder was discovered in a burrow in the ground. Afranthidium (Nigranthidium) concolor (Friese) was found nesting in a burrow in the ground, like other species of Afranthidium, using plant fibres. Plesianthidium, represented by P. (Spinanthidiellum) volkmanni (Friese), was found constructing groups of separate resinous, spouted, pot-like cells, similar to those constructed by some extraterritorial species of Anthidiellum. Additional nest records are given for Afranthidium (Immanthidium) repetitum and Afranthidium (Afranthidium) ablusum. A first record (that of Alan Weaving) of a host, Megachile (Gronocerus) feline Gerstaecker, of Euaspis abdominalis (Fabricius) is reported. Anthidiini in southern Africa are relatively polyphagous. In the present analysis inter-generic and intra-generic similarities, differences, and preferences in flower families visited are indicated.

Publication Title:
Journal of Hymenoptera Research
Volume:
16
Pages:
30-50
Item Type:
Journal Article
Language:
en