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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Logan, Utah » Pollinating Insect-Biology, Management, Systematics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #177215
Title: EFFECT OF THREE DIMENSION AND COLOR CONTRAST PATTERNS ON NEST LOCALIZATION PERFORMANCE OF TWO SOLITARY BEES (HYMENOPTERA: MEGACHILIDAE)

Author
item GUEDOT, CHRISTELLE - UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
item BOSCH, JORDI - UNIV AUTONOMS,SPAIN
item Kemp, William - Bill

Submitted to: Journal of Kansas Entomological Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/16/2006
Publication Date: 4/1/2007
Citation: Guedot, C., Bosch, J., Kemp, W.P. 2007. Effect of three dimension and color contrast patterns on nest localization performance of two solitary bees (hymenoptera: megachilidae). Journal of Kansas Entomological Society. 80:2:90-104.

Interpretive Summary: We addressed the importance of 3-dimensional patterns and color contrast patterns as cues used in nest location by Osmia lignaria Say and Megachile rotundata (F.) females. By manipulating the surface of the nesting site, we compared 3-dimensional patterns of three different depths (1-cm, 2-cm, and 6-cm) and three different color contrasts (black-black, black-gray, and black-blue). We also tested the relative importance of a 3D pattern and a color contrast pattern by modifying both variables. Both species perceived 3D patterns as well as color contrast patterns. Bees responded to changes to the nesting surface by increasing nest location time and by displaying behaviors consistent with disorientation. Increasing the depth of the 3-dimensional pattern as well as the brightness of the color contrast led to an increase in the level of confusion.

Technical Abstract: We addressed the importance of 3-dimensional patterns and color contrast patterns as cues used in nest location by Osmia lignaria Say and Megachile rotundata (F.) females. By manipulating the surface of the nesting site, we compared 3-dimensional patterns of three different depths (1-cm, 2-cm, and 6-cm) and three different color contrasts (black-black, black-gray, and black-blue). We also tested the relative importance of a 3D pattern and a color contrast pattern by modifying both variables. Both species perceived 3D patterns as well as color contrast patterns. Bees responded to changes to the nesting surface by increasing nest location time and by displaying behaviors consistent with disorientation. Increasing the depth of the 3-dimensional pattern as well as the brightness of the color contrast led to an increase in the level of confusion.