Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Pan-Pacific Entomologist
Volume
63
Publication Date
1-1-1987
First Page
155
Last Page
164
Abstract
Ovarian features of parasitic bees including the number of ovarioles per ovary, the number and size of mature oocytes, and the morphology of mature oocytes are explored. Included are data from 44 species representing approximately 8 separately derived cleptoparasitic lineages within the Apoidea, The number of ovarioles of parasitic Halictidae and Megachilidae is 3 per ovary, as is characteristic of non-parasitic Colletidae, Andrenidae, Halictidae, Melittidae, and Megachilidae. In the anthophorid/apid lineage, which has 4 ovarioles per ovary as a plesiomorphic condition, the Nomadinae tend to have increased numbers of ovarioles, with 5 ovarioles per ovary seeming to be the most common condition. In two other parasitic lineages of the Anthophoridae (Melectini and Ctenioschelini), only Ericrocis lata with 5 ovarioles has an increase from the plesiomorphic state. In the Apidae, Psithyrus consistently exhibits an above normal number of ovarioles.
Recommended Citation
Alexander, Byron and Rozen, Jerome G. Jr., "Ovaries, Ovarioles, and Oocytes in Parasitic Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)" (1987). A. Paper 92.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/bee_lab_a/92