九州大学大学院農学研究院生物資源開発管理学部門動物昆虫学講座昆虫学研究室
Entomological Laboratory, Division of Zoology and Entomology, Department of Applied Genetics and Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University
We investigated the biology of the solitary digger bee, Colletes esakii Hirashima at Adachi Park, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan in 2004, 2006 and 2007. The following results were: (1) This colletid bee is univoltine, being active mainly in the midsummer, and hibernates as prepupa stage.(2) The female ratio was about 0.36.(3) The number of cells per nest was 3.3. Cells were constructed by a single or double connection, and situated at the end of the main burrow or at sloping laterals that radiated spirally from the main burrow, at a depth of 1.5-33 cm.(4) Nests were found at a nearly uncovered place with sparse low bush and an open place. Soils were well drained and the organic matter content was relatively low. (5) In daily activity, the active time (8a.m. to 7p.m.) and the peak of activity was 2 times in the morning and afternoon. (6) The pollen grain involved in provisioning was mostly recognized as Zanthoxylum ailanthoides Sieb. et Zucc. In this study area, this species collected and used the pollen of this plant. (7) Natural enemies and cleptoparasites were not found.