›› 2008, Vol. 51 ›› Issue (11): 1170-1176.

• RESEARCH PAPERS • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Nesting behavior of Megachile leachella (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

MENG Yan-Hua   

  • Online:2008-11-20 Published:2008-11-20

Abstract: Aim For the purpose of trapping domestic leaf-cutting bee Megachile leachella nesting in manmade tubes, it is necessary to know the nesting habits and nesting traits of M. leachella.Methods The whole nesting process of M. leachella was observed by visual observation and photographing; the inside nest structure of M. leachella was observed by digging and measuring; bee cocoons were buried in the soil and finger tubes for emergence in the laboratory. Results M. leachella usually nests in soil walls and abandoned ant holes; sometimes it digs new holes to nest in the sandland. It cuts the leaf to build nest cells. There are several cells in one nest, which are lined one by one, and the entrance of nest is covered by leaves. Eleven to fourteen pieces of leaves are needed for constructing one cell. The bee executes 6-9 pollen and nectar trips for each cell. A single egg is laid on the surface of the provision. In Mu Us sandland, Inner Mongolica, M. leachella has two generations one year: the first generation emerges in the middle to late June, while the second generation emerges in late July to early August. Coelioxy sp. and Chrysis sp. are the main parasitoids of M. leachella. The cocoons of M. leachella can emerge from finger tubes in the laboratory. Conclusions Nesting behavior of different individuals of M. leachella was similar. Females of M. leachella could be trapped and domesticated in man-made tubes

Key words: Megachile leachella, nesting, pollination, life history, parasitoid wasps