Date of Award:
5-1-1982
Document Type:
Thesis
Degree Name:
Master of Science (MS)
Department:
Biology
Department name when degree awarded
Life Sciences:Biology
Committee Chair(s)
Frank D. Parker
Committee
Frank D. Parker
Committee
Nabil N. Youssef
Committee
Bill Brindley
Abstract
Eumegachile (Sayapis) pugnata (Say) was studied in a greenhouse and in the field to elucidate its natural history and evaluate its potential as a pollinator of commercial sunflower. Cell building, provisioning, ovipositioning, and development are described. Mortality factors, emergence sequences, sizes, and sex ratios were similar to those reported in other studies. Unlike social bees E. pugnata foraged in such a way that pollen collection and not energy (nectar) acquisition was maximized. Characteristics that contribute to its manageability as a pollinator include the fact that it nests successfully in man made devices that can be moved from field to field and that it is facultatively gregarious. Problems include a susceptibility to Ascosphaera aggregata Skou and difficulties imposed by overwintering temperatures. Suggestions for management and future study are made.
Recommended Citation
Frohlich, Donald R., "The Biology and Ecology of Eumegachile (Sayapis) pugnata (Say) (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), A Pollinator of Commercial Sunflower" (1982). Biology. 483.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd_biology/483
Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .