Author: John P. BallasPublisher:
ISBN:
Category : Alfalfa leafcutting bee
Languages : en
Pages : 54
Book Description
First, I described the physical characteristics of leaves found on a reclaimed mine in order to determine traits associated with leaf choice. This study focused on a representative species of leaf-cutter bee, Megachile rotundata, because of its abundance at the study site and the availability of published data on the species of leaves it uses for nesting. The 59 surveyed species of leaves were divided into two groups: those which are used by M. rotundata at the study site or in the literature, and those that are not used. By measuring the toughness, trichome density, useable area, and other traits of each leaf, species used and not used by M. rotundata were compared via ordination. The physical characteristics of used and unused leaves differed, but no one trait completely distinguished the two groups. Other untested traits may contribute to preference. The interactions of traits are complex, but toughness is a large factor determining usability. By ordinating leaf species from their traits, differences were clearly visualized. This study also documented species of plants used by M. rotundata that have not yet been observed, including the petals of multiple forbs.