The nesting habits and flower relationships of the bee Melitoma ameghinoi (Holmberg) (Hymenoptera, Apidae), with notes on its taxonomy and distribution

ROIG-ALSINA, A.; SCHALLER, A.

JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY

TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

Año: 2019 vol. 53 p. 1633 - 1645

0022-2933

The nesting behaviour of Melitoma ameghinoi was studied in theprovince of Chaco, Argentina. Contrary to other Melitoma species,which are known to nest on banks or other vertical or slopingsurfaces, the nests were found on horizontal ground, in extremelyhard clay soil. The nests were shallow, with three to four verticalcells. The short turrets pointed upwards for a short stretch andthen were strongly curved, with the entrance directed towards thesoil surface. The floral relationships of this species were studied bypollen analysis of faeces from cells, a pollen mass, scopal loads ofspecimens, and direct observation of floral visits. Pollen countsand field observations indicate that M. ameghinoi collects pollenexclusively from Ipomoea species. A compilation of pollen sourcesfor species of Melitoma is presented. All known species, includingM. ameghinoi, fall in the category of narrowly oligolectic. A discussion of the taxonomic relationships of the species is presented,and a lectotype is designated.