Pollen collected by Xylocopa augusti (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in the northwestern of the Buenos Aires province, Argentina

Abstract

“Pollen loaf” found in incubation cells from Xylocopa augusti Lep. during 1995, 1996 and 1997, were analyzed in order to identify pollen sources utilized by these natives bees in the pampean region. The frequency of pollen types was calculated taking into account the relative volumen for each type. Ten morphological types, belonging to six families of Angiosperms, were identified. The most important sources of nourishment are: Solanum sp., Styphnolobium japonicum L., Eucalyptus sp. and Amaryllis sp. In the sampled area, X. augusti shows a foraging behaviour similar to X. splendidula Lep.