Nesting biology of diphaglossine bees (Hymenoptera, Colletidae). American Museum novitates ; no. 2786

Abstract

"New data on the nesting biology of the following taxa of bees belonging to the Diphaglossinae are presented: Ptiloglossa arizonensis, fulvopilosa, jonesi, guinnae, Crawfordapis luctuosa, and Policana albopilosa. This information is summarized and analyzed in relation to literature and manuscript accounts on these and other taxa throughout the entire geographic range of the subfamily. Specific subjects dealt with are habitat preference; nest site requirements; social organization; nest structure, including cell orientation, shape, and size; provisioning; oviposition; development; cocoon construction and fecal deposition; daily adult activity; seasonal activity; and the relationship of cleptoparasitic bees (Epeolini) to diphaglossines. A formal, synoptic overview of the biological features of this subfamily is presented. Finally, the phylogenetic relationships of the subfamily to other colletids are briefly discussed in light of nesting biology, as well as the possible relationships between the Diphaglossinae and the Oxaeidae and Stenotritidae"--P. [1]-2.