Abstract
Abstract Nest‐building behaviour was studied in Xylocopa violacea, with particular attention to that exhibited in the construction of each cell, from the formation of the pollen paste to the construction of the diaphragm. Seven inside characteristics of 28 nests excavated in dried Arundo donax canes were determined. The cell length ranged from 14 to 20 mm. The diaphragms separating the cells were 2 mm thick in the middle, and 4–5 mm at the edge. In 37 additional nests, only data on some characteristics were taken: (a) colour of the pollen paste; (b) cane internode used for nesting. X. violacea is univoltine and solitary, and as in all the other Xylocopa species, female average fecundity is very low (7.43 eggs per nest), despite considerable maternal investment. Univoltine Xylocopa species are less fertile than multivoltine Xylocopa species because of the one to three sup plementary generations per year.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
