Seasonal Cycles, Nests, and Social Behavior of Some Colombian Halictine Bees (Hymenoptera; Apoidea)

Abstract

This papel contains descriptions of nests and information on seasonal cycles and social behavior of four halictine bees, Habralictus bimaculatus, Caenohalictus eberhardorum, Lasioglossum (Dialictus) seabrai, and L. (D.) breedi. Data are also included on two parasitic halictine bees, both of the genus Microsphecodes. The Habralictus and Caenohalictus nest in aggregations; individual nests are occupicd by one to several bees. There are no castes and within a nest containing two el more bees the relationships are communal or possibly quasisocial. The two species of Lasioglossum (Dialictus) nest in diffuse and often small aggregations. The colonies have mean populations of little over two bees, but there are weakly differentiated queens and workers, especially in L. seabrai. Activities were similar in both wet and dry seasons, so far as known.