Vol. 12, Special Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
Sonu Bharti, Sourabh Maheshwari and Mohammad Sarfaraz Khan

Abstract:
This research examines the nesting biology of the golden mining bee, Nomia aurata, at G.B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology Pantnagar (India). It investigates nesting habitat attributes, including vegetation, slope, soil properties, nesting season, activity, nest architecture, and nest contents. Weekly surveys at the Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre and Vegetable Research Centre identified 30 nests in three distinct beds during March-April 2023. Nests were systematically identified and labelled. This study examined the subterranean nesting parameters of 11 Nomia aurata bees at varying post nesting intervals. Analysis of the soil samples from 3 nests revealed dry consistency characterized by sand (10-12%), silt (70-75%), and clay (70-75%). Critical parameters such as entrance diameter, tunnel dimensions, brood cell characteristics, and distances within the nest structure were recorded. The entrance, circular in shape, featured a distinctive tumulus-turret, with an average diameter of 2.56±0.13 mm (Mean ± SD). Tunnel length spanned 103 to 166 mm, averaging at 135.16±17.01 mm (Mean ± SD), while the tunnel diameter exhibited an average of 2.91±0.18 mm (Mean ± SD). Brood cell count ranged from 0 to 3, with variable lengths (6.32 to 7.69 mm) and breadths (3.07 to 3.86 mm). Brood cell distances from the entrance displayed variation, with Cell 1 found at a minimum of 53 mm in Nest 1 and a maximum of 151 mm in Nest 4, averaging at 111.11±32.29 mm (Mean ± SD). Similar trends were observed for Cells 2 and 3. Upon microscopic examination, the brood cells revealed distinct shining linings. Notably, the larval stage exhibited creamish coloration, featuring 13 abdominal segments and 10 pairs of spiracles.