Bee Genus Research Articles

New data on the Iberian endemic bee genus Flavipanurgus Warncke Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Andrenidae): Ecological and genomic data reveal a hidden species.

Flavipanurgus is a small genus of panurgine bees known only from the Iberian Peninsula. Despite its status as one of the few bee genera endemic to Europe, Flavipanurgus are poorly represented in collections and until recently, their ecology had been almost unknown. Flavipanurgus ibericus (Warncke, 1972) was described from southern Iberia, with a northern subspecies F. i. kastiliensis (Warncke, 1987) later described from the north. Recent collections in Portugal have revealed clear differences in the pollen collecting patterns of the two taxa, with southern females collecting exclusively from Jasione montana and northern females from Sedum species. In combination with this ecological difference, COI and 28S barcode data indicate that Flavipanurgus kastiliensis stat. nov. should be raised to full species status. The male of Flavipanurgus ibericus s. str. is described for the first time, and updated keys to Flavipanurgus species are provided. Flavipanurgus fuzetus Patiny, 1999 is recorded for the first time from Spain. Further significant records and new floral associations for Flavipanurgus are also presented.

Replacement names for two small carpenter bees from India (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Ceratina)

Nomenclatorial corrections are provided for two cases of secondary homonymy within the small carpenter bee genus Ceratina Latreille (Apidae: Xylocopinae: Ceratinini). Images of female and male paratypes are included for Ceratina (Pithitis) apatela nom. nov. (formerly P. vechti Baker).

Pollination of Peltogyne chrysopis: an endemic tree of the Atlantic Forest

ABSTRACT Peltogyne chrysopis is an arboreal legume endemic to the Atlantic Forest and known only from the state of Bahia, Brazil. Focal observations were made of anthesis, pollen availability, stigma receptivity, nectar production, and the presence of osmophores and UV-reflective pigments for the species. Floral visitors were also observed and classified based on the timing and frequency of their visits and their foraging behavior. The breeding system was inferred from the pollen-ovule ratio and pollen tube growth after pollination treatments. Peltogyne chrysopis was found to be melittophilous, with anthesis occurring from 02h00min to 05h00min, and protogynous and xenogamous, with flower scent emission and pollen release before sunrise. Xenochlora nigrofemorata was the main pollinator, as it effectively collected and transferred pollen grains. Nectar production appears to be a secondary resource to ensure the attraction of a diversity of floral visitors and potential pollinators in the absence of effective pollinators. The results of the present study contribute to understanding the pollination mechanisms of Peltogyne, a genus that has been neglected with regard to its reproductive mechanism, and documents, for the first time, the role of the bee genus Xenochlora in plant pollination.

Biology of Palaearctic Wainia bees of the subgenus Caposmia including a short review on snail shell nesting in osmiine bees (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae)

Wainia, a species-poor genus of osmiine bees, contains two Palaearctic species, whose biologies are unknown. In the present publication, we describe the nesting site and nest architecture ofW.sexsignataand analyse the pollen host spectra ofW.sexsignataandW.eremoplanaby microscopical analysis of larval faeces and female scopal contents.W.sexsignatanests in empty snail shells. It uses large petal pieces of yellow flowered Asteroideae to separate the linearly arranged brood cells and to construct a series of partitions between the outermost cell and the final nest closure, which consists of masticated green leaves.W.sexsignatais recorded as a new host of the meloid beetleSitarobrachysthoracica. Both PalaearcticWainiaspecies have a strong preference for Asteraceae as pollen hosts, but occasionally also collect pollen on other plant taxa. A literature survey revealed that nesting in empty snail shells is widespread among osmiine bees: obligate snail shell nesting is assumed to have independently evolved at least twelve times in their evolutionary history and to occur in at least 56 species belonging to 4 genera and 14 subgenera.

Courtship behaviour in the genus Nomada – antennal grabbing and possible transfer of male secretions

Due to low population densities, copulation in the cuckoo bee genusNomadahas not previously been observed, although a seminal paper by Tengö and Bergström (1977) on the chemomimesis between these parasitic bees and theirAndrenaorMelittahosts postulated that secretions from male glands might be sprayed onto females during copulation. Our observations on the initiation and insertion phase of copulation in three species ofNomadanow indicate antennal grabbing as a mechanism by which chemicals are transferred between the sexes. Histological studies of the antennae ofN.fucataandN.lathburianareveal antennal modifications associated with cell aggregations that represent glandular cells, and SEM studies revealed numerous excretory canals.

Comparative description of mitochondrial genomes of the honey bee Apis (Hymenoptera: Apidae): four new genome sequences and Apis phylogeny using whole genomes and individual genes

We sequenced four complete mitochondrial genomes (mt genomes) of members of the honey bee genus Apis (A. cerana, A. dorsata, A. laboriosa, and A. mellifera ligustica). These four and other available mt genome sequences of Apis were used to scrutinize the within-genus genomic characteristics, gene arrangement, and phylogenetic relationships of Apis. Furthermore, phylogenetic performance of 15 individual genes and two concatenated gene combinations were tested to locate suitable genes for Apis phylogeny. Phylogenetic reconstruction using all concatenated protein-coding genes (PCGs) and rRNAs strongly supported the presence of three lineages in Apis: the sister lineages of cavity-nesting honey bees (A. cerana, A. mellifera, A. nigrocincta, and A. koschevnikovi) and the giant honey bees (A. dorsata and A. laboriosa), and a divergent lineage consisting of the dwarf honey bees (A. florea and A. andreniformis). Apis mt genomes revealed two gene arrangements, trnE–trnS1 or trnS1–trnE in the tRNA block at the A + T-rich region and ND2 junction. The gene arrangement found in Apis are consistent with two independent derivations because the same arrangement was shared between non-sister species. Several number of two gene concatenation, along with the individual gene ND4, confirmed the current whole mt genome-based phylogeny with relatively strong support, signifying that these single and two gene combinations are sufficient for an extended within-genus phylogeny of Apis, without inclusion of additional genes.Descripción comparativa de los genomas mitocondriales de la abeja melífera Apis (Hymenoptera: Apidae): cuatro nuevas secuencias genómicas y filogenia de Apis utilizando genomas enteros y genes individualesSe secuenciaron cuatro genomas mitocondriales completos (genomas mt) de miembros del género Apis (A. cerana, A. dorsata, A. laboriosa y A. mellifera ligustica). Estas cuatro y otras secuencias disponibles del genoma mt de Apis se utilizaron para examinar las características genómicas dentro del género, la disposición de los genes y las relaciones filogenéticas de Apis. Además, se evaluó el rendimiento filogenético de 15 genes individuales y dos combinaciones de genes concatenados para localizar genes adecuados para la filogenia de Apis. La reconstrucción filogenética usando todos los genes codificadores de proteínas concatenados (PCGs) y rRNAs apoyó fuertemente la presencia de tres linajes en Apis: los linajes hermanos de las abejas melíferas que anidan en las cavidades (A. cerana, A. mellifera, A. nigrocincta y A. koschevnikovi) y las abejas melíferas gigantes (A. dorsata y A. laboriosa), y un linaje divergente formado por las abejas melíferas enanas (A. florea y A. andreniformis). Los genomas mitocondrialas de Apis revelaron dos disposiciones génicas, trnE-trnS1 o trnS1-trnE en el bloque de tRNA en la región rica en A + T y la unión ND2. La disposición de genes encontrada en Apis es consistente con dos derivaciones independientes porque la misma disposición fue compartida entre especies no hermanas. Varias concatenaciones de dos genes, junto con el gen individual ND4, confirmaron la filogenia actual basada en el genoma mt entero con un apoyo relativamente fuerte, lo que significa que estas combinaciones de uno y dos genes son suficientes para una filogenia extendida dentro del gen de Apis, sin la inclusión de genes adicionales.

Taxonomic revision of Cyphanthidium Pasteels (Hymenoptera: Apoidea:Megachilidae: Megachilinae: Anthidiini), an endemic Afrotropical bee genus.

The Afrotropical bee genus Cyphanthidium Pasteels is revised. It comprises four species. Cyphanthidium gessorum, new species, and Cyphanthidium whiteheadi, new species, are described as well as the previously unknown female of Cyphanthidium intermedium. A key for identifying the species is given. Supplemental information is provided on the recently published revisions of Serapista and Plesianthidium.

A new species of the cleptoparasitic orchid bee genus Exaerete from northern Venezuela (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

A new species of the cleptoparasitic orchid bee genus Exaerete Hoffmannsegg (Apinae: Euglossini) is described and figured from a series of males collected in the coastal region of Aragua, Venezuela. Exaerete fallaciosa, sp. n., is most similar to E. trochanterica (Friese) and E. kimseyae Oliveira but differs in males by a unique combination of features including the shape, sculpturing, and setation of the labrum, tegula, mesoscutellum, mesobasitarsus, and male terminalia. A new key to the species is provided and the frontalis species-group segregated into subgenus Hybomelissa, subgen. n.

Constrained patterns of pollen use in Nearctic Andrena (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae) compared with their Palaearctic counterparts

Andrena is a large genus of bees primarily distributed across the Holarctic. Despite their abundance in temperate regions, the pollen diets of many Nearctic Andrena remain incompletely resolved. The pollen diets of 50 species of Andrena found in Michigan were characterized using light microscopy. Twenty-four species (48%) were classified as pollen specialists, collecting pollen from one botanical family. The remaining 26 species (52%) were classified as pollen generalists, collecting from many botanical families. Andrena species fell into three broad foraging groups: (1) spring-flying species foraging predominantly from woody plants; (2) spring-flying species specializing on herbaceous ephemerals; and (3) summer-flying species specializing on herbaceous prairie plant species. Species of Nearctic Andrena specialized on pollens from Asteraceae, Geraniaceae, Hydrophyllaceae and Montiaceae or avoided them almost entirely. Botanical families that hosted specialized bees showed a higher variation in utilization by the Andrena community than botanical families without specialists. In contrast, Palaearctic species showed little temporal partitioning and low variation in the utilization of different botanical families. This pattern of pollen use supports previous findings that pollens from certain botanical families cannot be used as a food source without physiological adaptations, but that this phenomenon is more pronounced in the Nearctic Andrena fauna.

European bees of the genera Epeolus Latreille, 1802 and Triepeolus Robertson, 1901 (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Nomadinae: Epeolini): taxonomy, identification key, distribution, and ecology.

Seventeen species of Epeolus Latreille, 1802 and one species of Triepeolus Robertson, 1901 have been recorded from Europe. Members of these genera are cuckoo bees, cleptoparasites that appropriate provisions of other bee genera (Colletes Latreille [hosts of Epeolus] and Tetraloniella Ashmead [hosts of Palaearctic Triepeolus]) for their own offspring. We present an identification key to all European species plus four species known from neighbouring regions (the Middle East and North Africa) that might also occur in Europe. The taxonomy of all species is reviewed, with new synonymies proposed, one subspecies elevated to a species (Epeolus eriwanensis Bischoff, 1930, stat. nov.), and a new species (Epeolus ibericus Bogusch, sp. nov.) described. Five new synonymies are proposed: E. giannelli Gribodo, 1894 syn. nov. and Epeolus speculifer Pérez, 1895 syn. nov. under E. fallax Morawitz, 1872, E. berlandi Benoist, 1943 syn. nov. and E. laevigatus Bischoff, 1930 syn. nov. under E. flavociliatus Friese, 1899, and E. julliani Pérez, 1884 syn. nov. under E. transitorius Eversmann, 1852. The following species are redescribed because their identity is less clear due to type specimens and/or vague original descriptions: Epeolus aureovestitus Dours, 1873, Epeolus cruciger (Panzer, 1799), Epeolus fallax Morawitz, 1872, Epeolus schummeli Schilling, 1849, Epeolus siculus Giordani Soika, 1944, and Epeolus variegatus (Linnaeus, 1758). Males are described for the first time for the following species: Epeolus compar Alfken, 1938, Epeolus eriwanensis Bischoff, 1930, Epeolus intermedius Pérez, 1884, Epeolus laevifrons Bischoff, 1930, and Epeolus subrufescens Saunders, 1908. Distribution maps created using records from the literature and data from private and museum collections are also provided, which show changes in the distributions of epeoline bees before and after 1990. Several species are considered endangered, especially Epeolus fasciatus Friese, 1895, which is nearly extinct, and Epeolus tarsalis Morawitz, 1874, which was recently reported only from the coastal parts of the Netherlands and Belgium. Epeolus variegatus is the only common and widespread species still encountered in most of Europe. Comprehensive information on the ecology of these cuckoo bees is also included.

Buzz-pollination in Neotropical bees: genus-dependent frequencies and lack of optimal frequency for pollen release.

Over 50 genera of bees release pollen from flower anthers using thoracic vibrations, a phenomenon known as buzz-pollination. The efficiency of this process is directly affected by the mechanical properties of the buzzes, namely the duration, amplitude, and frequency. Nonetheless, although the effects of the former two properties are well described, the role of buzz frequency on pollen release remains unclear. Furthermore, nearly all of the existing studies describing vibrational properties of natural buzz-pollination are limited to bumblebees (Bombus) and carpenter bees (Xylocopa) constraining our current understanding of this behavior and its evolution. Therefore, we attempted to minimize this shortcoming by testing whether flower anthers exhibit optimal frequency for pollen release and whether bees tune their buzzes to match these (optimal) frequencies. If true, certain frequencies will trigger more pollen release and lighter bees will reach buzz frequencies closer to this optimum to compensate their smaller buzz amplitudes. Two strategies were used to test these hypotheses: (i) the use of (artificial) vibrational playbacks in a broad range of buzz frequencies and amplitudes to assess pollen release by tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and (ii) the recording of natural buzzes of Neotropical bees visiting tomato plants during pollination. The playback experiment indicates that although buzz frequency does affect pollen release, no optimal frequency exists for that. In addition, the recorded results of natural buzz-pollination reveal that buzz frequencies vary with bee genera and are not correlated with body size. Therefore, neither bees nor plants are tuned to optimal pollen release frequencies. Bee frequency of buzz-pollination is a likely consequence of the insect flight machinery adapted to reach higher accelerations, while flower plant response to buzz-pollination is the likely result of its pollen granular properties.

Colonization and usage of eight milkweed (Asclepias) species by monarch butterflies and bees in urban garden settings

Planting milkweeds on public and private lands has emerged as a central conservation strategy for restoring declining North American migratory populations of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). Nearly all actionable science on this issue has focused on restoring common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) in rural land types. The aim of this study was to develop recommendations for the best milkweeds for managed gardens intended to support both monarch butterflies and bees. Eight milkweed (Asclepias) species varying in height, form, and leaf shape were grown in a common-garden experiment at a public arboretum. We measured milkweed growth, tillering, and bloom periods, conducted bi-weekly counts of eggs and larvae to assess colonization by wild monarchs, and evaluated suitability for growth of monarch larvae. We also quantified bee visitation and compared the bee assemblages associated with six of the eight species, augmented with additional collections from other sites. Monarchs rapidly colonized the gardens, but did not equally use all of the milkweed species. More eggs and larvae were found on taller, broad-leaved milkweeds, but there was relatively little difference in larval performance, suggesting ovipositional preference for more apparent plants. Asclepias tuberosa and A. fascicularis attracted the greatest number of bees, whereas bee genus diversity was greatest on A. verticillata, A. fascicularis, and A. tuberosa. Milkweeds that do not spread extensively by tillering may be best suited for managed gardens. Combining milkweeds that are preferred by ovipositing monarchs with ones that are particularly attractive to bees may enhance conservation value of small urban gardens.

A new genus of anthophorine bees from Brunei (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

A new genus of anthophorine bees (Apinae: Anthophorini) is described and figured from a remarkable female collected in eastern Brunei (northern Borneo). Varthemapistra edentata Engel, new genus and species, is most similar to species of Habrophorula Lieftinck, which occur in southeastern China, and Elaphropoda Lieftinck, found broadly across Southeast Asia. Habrophorula and the new genus both have the third submarginal cell broad anteriorly and posteriorly. Unique among anthophorines, V. edentata has a simple female mandible, while other Anthophorini have bidentate or tridentate mandibles. The genus is described and figured, and a revised key to the genera of Anthophorini provided.

Species delimitation and sex associations in the bee genus Thygater, with the aid of molecular data, and the description of a new species

Thygater Holmberg 1884, a Neotropical bee genus included in the tribe Eucerini, is distributed from Argentina to Mexico, was last revised almost 50 years ago, and included 30 species. Significant problems in Thygater taxonomy are like those found in other bee taxa: sexual dimorphism (sometimes accentuated); large intraspecific variation in some taxa, especially in color patterns; great similarity among putative recently-diverging species; and scarcity of specimens for study of several apparently rare species. These problems hinder the correct delimitation of species boundaries and could result in an underestimated number of species and incorrect association of sexes. In this taxonomic and phylogenetic study of the genus, morphological and molecular evidence are considered together to elucidate the taxonomy of several Brazilian species of Thygater. The analyses allowed the description of two new species (one already described and other described here), additional support for the synonyms proposed elsewhere and sex associations for several species.

A new group of species within the bee genus Ruizantheda, with a revised key to the males of the genus (Hymenoptera: Halictidae: Caenohalictini).

Males of the neotropical bee genus Ruizantheda Moure sensu lato (Halictinae: Caenohalictini) differ from those of other caenohalictine genera in having the outer gonostylar plate with a large membranous region that extends to the ventral region, and the ventral gonostylar lobe retrorse. These features permit the placement of six additional species described here, four of which are new, in the genus in this broader sense. The males of these six species share the following characteristics: profemur swollen; mesofemur exceedingly swollen; mesotibia slightly swollen with flat, minutely ridged ventral area and small apical tooth; S4 shortened medially, commonly largely hidden under S3, with transverse median depression and apical margin emarginate; apicolateral lobes of S4 with tuft of branched setae and stout, simple, recurved setae on margin; S5 with U-shaped gradulus and setal patch, sometimes inconspicuous; outer lateral expansion of penis valve bilobed, and median posterior margin of volsella strongly angulate. Together, these species constitute a new group within Ruizantheda and share with the previously known Ruizantheda inca Coelho, Felizardo, Engel, R. aerugineus Coelho, Felizardo, Engel, and R. kallos Coelho, Felizardo, Engel, a short outer gonostylar plate, terminating before the apex of the main gonostylar lobe as well as the presence of long setae on its dorsal surface. In other species of Ruizantheda the outer gonostylar plate extends beyond the apex of the main gonostylar lobe and lacks setae. The species comprising this distinctive subgroup of Ruizantheda, and treated herein, are: R. nigra n. sp., R. colombiana n. sp., R. venezuelana n. sp., R. baeri (Vachal) n. comb., R. pilosa n. sp., and R. gaullei (Vachal) n. comb. Two of the new species expand the distribution of the genus northward into Colombia and Venezuela. In addition to the description and illustration of the species, an updated key to the species of Ruizantheda s. l. is provided.

Palaearctic Osmia bees of the subgenus Hoplosmia (Megachilidae, Osmiini): biology, taxonomy and key to species.

Hoplosmia, a subgenus of the osmiine bee genus Osmia (Megachilidae), comprises 21 species restricted to the Palaearctic region. Analysis of female pollen loads and field observations indicate that probably all O. (Hoplosmia) species are specialized on Asteraceae except for one pollen generalist species, which exhibits a preference for the pollen of Cistaceae. Among the Asteraceae specialists, differences exist with respect to the three main Asteraceae subfamilies exploited for pollen, with some species exclusively visiting Carduoideae, others exploiting only Asteroideae and Cichorioideae and again others collecting pollen on Asteroideae, Carduoideae and Cichorioideae. All O. (Hoplosmia) species build their brood cells within preexisting cavities: several species exclusively nest in empty snail shells, few species use small cavities in rock and stones and the remaining species colonize linear cavities in dead wood and plant stems or nest in abandoned burrows of other bees and wasps. Chewed leaves serve as material to construct brood cell partitions and nest plug except for two species, which use mud as nest building material. The taxonomic revision of O. (Hoplosmia) revealed the existence of an undescribed species, O. centaureae spec. nov., which occurs in a small area that ranges from the Dead Sea over the Jordan Valley to northernmost Israel. Due to clear morphological gaps and widely disjunct distribution with the nominotypical subspecies, O. pinguis carbo (Zanden 1974) is elevated to species rank. Based on morphology and biology, three species groups are recognized within Hoplosmia. Identification keys for all O. (Hoplosmia) species are given including the hitherto unknown male or female sex of three species.

Taxonomic note on the type species of <i>Centris</i> (<i>Melanocentris</i>) (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Centris (Melanocentris) Friese is one of many subgenera that have been proposed throughout the taxonomic history of the bee genus Centris Fabricius. The lack of critical study of the type specimens of its type species, Centris atra Friese, resulted in the synonymy of Melanocentris with subgenus Ptilotopus Klug. Subsequently, Melacentris Moure was described as a new subgenus to group the large number of species identified as Melanocentris before the synonymy was proposed. The study of the syntypes of C. atra and the designation of a lectotype (herein) leads to the revalidation of Melanocentris as a subgenus distinct from Ptilotopus, and necessitates the new synonymy of Melacentris with Melanocentris.

Nesting biology of three Megachile (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) species from Eastern Amazonia, Brazil

Megachile Latreille is a conspicuous genus of solitary bees distributed worldwide. However, the biology of tropical species is still little known. We present data on biology of Megachile brasiliensis Data Torre, Megachile sejuncta Cockerell and Megachile stilbonotaspis Moure found in two remnants of eastern Amazonian forest in northeastern Brazil. The study was conducted using the trap-nest methodology in two different areas during four periods. We collected a total of 24 nests of M. brasiliensis, 26 of M. sejuncta and 28 of M. stilbonotaspis. The differential abundance of collected nests may reflect the population size in each sampled place. The nesting activity was concentrated mainly between July and January and species presented a multivoltine pattern, except for M. sejuncta, which was partly univoltine. Assessed pollen use showed a predominant use of Attalea sp. (Arecaceae) and, for M. stilbonotaspis, Tylesia sp. and Lepidaploa sp. (Asteraceae). Babassu is a very common palm in the studied areas and the studied species seem to have a strong link with it. We also reported change of pollen use by M. sejuncta, probably due to competition with M. brasiliensis, which may have influenced the biased sex ratio observed in M. sejuncta toward males. Parasites reported here were also recorded for other Megachile species, such as Coelioxys, Brachymeria, Meloidae and Pyralidae species. Mites were observed in association with M. stilbonotaspis. The data presented here set up a background that encourages new studies on the ecology of these three Amazonian species, providing tools for proper biodiversity management and conservation.

Fatty acid composition in native bees: Associations with thermal and feeding ecology

Fatty acid (FA) composition of lipids plays a crucial role in the functioning of lipid-containing structures in organisms and may be affected by the temperature an organism experiences, as well as its diet. We compared FA composition among four bee genera: Andrena, Bombus, Megachile, and Osmia which differ in their thermal ecology and diet. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) were prepared by direct transesterification with KOH and analyzed using gas-liquid chromatography with a flame ionization detector. Sixteen total FAs ranging in chain length from eight to 22 carbon atoms were identified. Linear discriminant analysis separated the bees based on their FA composition. Andrena was characterized by relatively high concentrations of polyunsaturated FAs, Bombus by high monounsaturated FAs and Megachilids (Megachile and Osmia) by relatively high amounts of saturated FAs. These differences in FA composition may in part be explained by variation in the diets of these bees. Because tongue (proboscis) length may be used as a proxy for the types of flowers bees may visit for nectar and pollen, we compared FA composition among Bombus that differed in proboscis length (but have similar thermal ecology). A clear separation in FA composition within Bombus with varying proboscis lengths was found using linear discriminant analysis. Further, comparing the relationship between each genus by cluster analysis revealed aggregations by genus that were not completely separated, suggesting potential overlap in dietary acquisition of FAs.

Bee genera, diversity and abundance in genetically modified canola fields

ABSTRACTIntensive agricultural practices resulting in large scale habitat loss ranks as the top contributing factors in the global bee decline. Growing Genetically Modified Herbicide Tolerant (GMHT) crops as large monocultures has resulted extensive applications of herbicides leading to the degradation of natural habitats surrounding farmlands. Herbicide tolerance trait is beneficial for crops such as Canola (Brassica napus) that are extremely vulnerable to weed competition. While the trait in itself does not harm pollinators, growing genetically modified herbicide tolerant cultivars indirectly contributes towards pollinator declines through habitat loss. Canola, a mass-flowering crop is highly attractive to bee pollinators and the extensive adoption of the herbicide tolerant trait has led to depletion of non-crop floral resources. Extensive use of herbicide in and near fields with herbicide tolerant cultivars systematically eliminates semi-natural habitats around agricultural fields which consist of non-crop flowering plants. Planting pollinator strips provides floral resources for bees after crop flowering. We document the bee genera in canola and the adjoining pollinator strip. The overlap in bee genera reinforces the importance of pollinator habitats in agricultural landscape.