Observations of male Halictus poeyi Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) in their nighttime roosting clusters on floral plants in Jamaica, Antilles

Abstract

Detailed observations are presented on the behavior of a group of male Halictus poeyi Lepeletier bees (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) in their selected roosting sites on Bidens pilosa L. and Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC plants. Over approximately 50 days, climatic conditions, habitat structure, and associated species were recorded. These observations suggest that clusters exhibit area fidelity within a radius of approximately 1.5m, rather than fidelity to specific plant individuals or species. Roost site selection appears to be influenced by microhabitat structure, sunlight exposure, weather conditions, and plant structural characteristics. In our observations, no emerging or nesting females were found near the nocturnal roosting sites.

Resumen

Se presentan observaciones detalladas sobre la conducta de un grupo de machos de la abeja Halictus poeyi Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) en los dormitorios escogidos, para pasar la noche, en las plantas Bidens pilosa L. y Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. Se registraron, durante unos 50 días, las condiciones climáticas, estructura del hábitat, así como las especies asociadas. Estas observaciones sugieren que los enjambres mostraron fidelidad al área dentro de un radio de aproximadamente 1.5 m, en lugar de fidelidad a individuos o especies vegetales específicas. La selección del sitio de descanso nocturno parece estar influenciada por la estructura del microhábitat, la exposición al sol, las condiciones climáticas y las características estructurales de las plantas. En nuestras observaciones no se encontraron hembras emergentes o nidificando cerca de los sitios de descanso nocturno.

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