Melissodes Bees In Arizona Cotton Fields

Authors

G. D. Butler Jr., University of Arizona
F. E. Todd, USDA
S. E. McGregor, USDA
F. G. Werner, University of Arizona

Document Type

Article

Publisher

Agricultural Experiment Station University of Arizona, Tucson

Publication Date

3-1-1960

First Page

1

Last Page

11

Abstract

Extensive observations by the authors in Arizona have shown that the honey bee and several species of solitary bees in the genus Melissocles are the only abundant, active and efficient pollinators of cotton. Melissocles bees nest within cotton fields among the rows of cotton and the females apparently prefer cotton pollen, so that these bees are potentially important cotton pollinators. This paper presents recognition characters for the important species of Melissodes in Arizona, records of distribution and host plants, and some observations on nesting and work habits.

Recommended Citation

Butler, G. D. Jr.; Todd, F. E.; McGregor, S. E.; and Werner, F. G., "Melissodes Bees In Arizona Cotton Fields" (1960). Bu. Paper 52.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/bee_lab_bu/52