Author
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Pitts Singer, Theresa |
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Submitted to: Environmental Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 11/13/2006 Publication Date: 4/1/2007 Citation: Pitts Singer, T. 2007. Olfactory response of megachilid bees, Osmia lignaria, Megachile rotundata and M. pugnata, to individual cues from old nest cavities. Environmental Entomology. 36: 402-408 Interpretive Summary: Females of the blue orchard bee, Osmia lignaria Say, the alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata (F.), and M. pugnata Say were tested for attraction to various components associated with their nesting cavities, or chemical extracts of these components, using a Y-tube olfactory response bioassay. As these bees like to nest near old nest cavities, nest components may be important in providing cues to females looking for nesting sites. Results show that the females are attracted to components which might smell like member or their own species or that may indicate nesting activity by other bees. Technical Abstract: The Megachilid bees Osmia lignaria Say, Megachile rotundata (F.) and M. pugnata Say were tested for attraction to various components associated with their nesting cavities, or chemical extracts of these components, using a Y-tube olfactory response bioassay. As these bees preferentially nest near old nest cavities, nest components may be important in providing cues to females looking for nesting sites. Results show that the females are attracted to components which might harbor species-specific cues or that may indicate nesting activity. |
