Biology and immature stages of Macropis nuda, including comparisons to related bees (Apoidea, Melittidae). American Museum novitates ; no. 2702

Abstract

"The present study treats the following topics pertaining to the life history of the solitary bee Macropis nuda (Provancher), the first North American species of the genus to be found nesting: Nest site localities, nest description, nest construction, flower relationships, provisioning, development (including description of egg), larval feeding habits, cocoon construction, defecating pattern, sleeping habits of adults, mating behavior, daily and seasonal activity patterns, and parasitism and predation. Comparisons of these features are made with several Palearctic species. The life history of this species agrees with accounts of European species in the literature. Several newly discovered characteristics of the cocoon of M. nuda correspond well with similar features in other Macropis and Melitta, but not with Meganomia and Ctenoplectra of South Africa. The last larval instar and the pupa are described taxonomically and agree closely with similar stages of other members of the genus"--p. [1].