Influence of the Orientation of Nest Entrance, Shading, and Substrate on Sampling Trap-Nesting Bees and Wasps

Abstract

The use of trap nests supplies important biological information concerning the biology of bees and wasps. However, the knowledge about the factors that influence the management of these groups is still scarce. Our study aimed to analyze the effects of the orientation of nest entrance, shading, and block material (wood or vermiculite) on the frequency, richness, and composition of trap-nesting species at two agricultural areas in the Atlantic Forest region of the state of Paraiba. Both sites showed similar species richness and composition. However, a higher number of nests was found at the Alhandra site, mainly of the species Trypoxylon aurifrons Shuckard and Centris analis (F.). Regarding the orientation, the number of nest entrances oriented to prevailing wind direction was significantly smaller. Most species nested more frequently in shaded areas than in sunny areas and the wood blocks were more attractive than the vermiculite blocks, especially for bees.