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Social mining bees
Halictid mining bees nest in tunnels
dug in the ground. Many live in social communities. In spring, several
sisters of the species Halictus scabiosae share a common nest. The
biggest among them acquires the leading role with the aid of her aggressive
behaviour. While her sisters leave to gather pollen and nectar, she remains
in the nest, protecting it from parasites and predators. She lays her eggs
onto the prepared supplies of food and devours the potential eggs of her
"roommates". As soon as her daughters hatch and assume the tasks of
the workers in the community, she drives out her sisters. Towards the end of
the summer she rears, in the nest, a new progeny of fertile individuals. |
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A Halictus scabiosae worker returning from her rounds with pollen. |
As soon as she unloads her cargo, she returns to work, still
dusty with pollen. |
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Queen
bee guarding the entrance to her nest. Only workers are allowed in. |
After the daylong pursuit of young females, the Halictus
scabiosae males gather in the evening for a collective night rest. |
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Slovenian
Museum of Natural History
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Development of Social Relationships in Insects