Nest and nesting behaviour of Amegilla (Amegilla) Pulchra (Smith) (Hymenoptera : Apoidea : Anthophorinae)

Abstract

Females of A. (A). pulchra were studied at nesting sites in Brisbane, mostly at an artificial site established in mud bricks with overwintering cells from a natural aggregation. The length of adult life, structure of nests, number of nests, cells per female, times taken in activities in the nests, seasonal cycle, pattern of emergence, sex ratio, and development times of offspring were investigated. Some observations were made on the length of life and habits of males, and on the behaviour of females away from the nest.