Shallu Choudhary, Devinder Sharma and Rakesh Kumar Gupta
Abstract
Ceratina viridissima, commonly referred to as the small carpenter bee, serves as a crucial pollinator in both agricultural and horticultural crops. In this study, we investigated its nesting habits through controlled laboratory observations. Our examination focused on its nesting behavior within trimmed pithy stems of Rosa spp., Saccharum spontaneum and Saccharum bengalense. These bees exhibit polylectic behavior, gathering pollen balls from diverse sources for their brood cells, and engaging in nest protection activities. Nest construction involves the excavation of pith from various plant stems, resulting in distinct chambers housing eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. The life cycle of C. viridissima spans approximately 43.77±2.13 days. Notably, pupal stages display a range of eye pigmentation. Foraging endeavors are predominantly observed from early morning to late evening, closely linked to sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Detailed analysis of nest architecture revealed chambers partitioned by septa. A comprehensive understanding of the nesting behavior and relatively short life cycle of C. viridissima across different plant hosts contributes significantly to their conservation efforts and underscores their potential for enhancing agricultural crop pollination practices.