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Journal of Environmental Biology

pISSN: 0254-8704 ; eISSN: 2394-0379 ; CODEN: JEBIDP
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    Abstract - Issue May 2026, 47 (3)                                     Back


nstantaneous and historical temperature effects on a-pinene

Architectural nesting preferences and parasitism in megachile bees (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

 

K.T. Vijayakumar1*, T. Nayimabanu1, T.N. Rakshitha1, H.L. Nithinkumar1, Pampareddy2, K.M. Kumaranag3 and S.S. Suroshe3    

1Department of Apiculture, AICRP on Honey bees and Pollinators, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore-560 065, India

2Department of Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore-560 065, India

3Division of Entomology, ICAR-AICRP on Honey bees and Pollinators, IARI, New Delhi- 110 001, India

 

Received: 16 June 2025                   Revised: 29 September 2025                   Accepted: 12 November 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : vijayakumarktagri@gmail.com                           *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5445-8322

 

 

 

Abstract

 

Aim: This study developed artificial nesting structures to facilitate leaf cutter bee habitation and examined their foraging behavior.

Methodology: We deployed 723 Ipomoea reed trap nests across agricultural landscapes at UAS Bangalore and conducted monthly assessments of nest occupancy, emergence, and parasitism from 2020-2023.

Results: Overall occupancy rate was 31.26% with only 12.57% emergence rate due to high parasitism (87.4%). Six Megachile species were identified, with M. lanata dominant (39% abundance). Two Leucospis species caused most parasitism - first record of L. histrio and L. guzeratensis parasitizing Megachile in India. Pigeon pea supported higher bee diversity (H'=1.4807) than sunn hemp (H'=1.0114).

Interpretation: High parasitism rates limit artificial nest success, requiring integrated pest management approaches for bee conservation.

Key words: Diversity, Ipomoea reeds, Megachilid, Nesting, Occupancy, Parasitization

 

 

 

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