Nesting and Male Behavior of Centris heithausi (Hymenoptera: Anthrophoridae) in Costa Rica with Chemical Analysis of the Hindleg Glands of Males

Authors

Rollin E. Coville, University of California
Gordon W. Frankie, University of California
Stephen L. Buchmann, USDA
S. Bradleigh Vinson, Texas A&M University
Howard J. Williams

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society

Volume

59

Issue

2

Publication Date

5-28-1986

First Page

325

Last Page

336

Abstract

Nests of Centris heithausi are described from an earthen floor of a workshop in Guanacaste Prov., Costa Rica. Nests usually consisted of a short burrow occupied by 2 or 3 urn-shaped cells. Some nests consisted of a short burrow that opened to a chamber with several cells, and in one case 2 side burrows, built into the walls. Cells were provisioned with a clear tasteless oil and the pollen of Cochlospermum vitifolium. Males of C. heithausi established territories (presumably for mating) in flowering crowns of the following trees and lianas: Gliricidia sepium, Piscidia carthagenensis, Cassia emarginata, C. grandis, Securidaca sylvestris, and Coch/ospermum vitifolium. Males rarely appeared to scent mark vegetation around their territories. The source of the presumed scent is a gland described from the hindleg. Chemicals isolated from the gland include the ester tetradecenyl acetate and eleven hydrocarbons. The relationship of C. heithausi to other Centris spp. is discussed.

Recommended Citation

Coville, Rollin E.; Frankie, Gordon W.; Buchmann, Stephen L.; Vinson, S. Bradleigh; and Williams, Howard J., "Nesting and Male Behavior of Centris heithausi (Hymenoptera: Anthrophoridae) in Costa Rica with Chemical Analysis of the Hindleg Glands of Males" (1986). Co. Paper 146.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/bee_lab_co/146