An entomopalynological analysis of larval provisions of Xylocopa iris (Christ, 1791) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Turkey

Bees are indispensable living components of ecosystems because of the pollination services they offer. In this respect, it is important to determine the extent of host plant specialization by evaluating their pollen diet, information that can easily be gathered by analyzing the pollen content of their nests. Here we examined two Xylocopa (Copoxyla) iris (Christ, 1791) nests from different provinces in Turkey to identify the relationship between the surrounding vegetation and the possible pollinator or forager X. iris, a species for which there is limited available pollen preference data. We investigated the larval provisions and pollen content of these nests and compared pollen content with the pollen of the surrounding vegetation. In addition, we inspected the nest architecture and nesting biology and reviewed extant information about the distribution of this species in Turkey. Our investigation found that both nests were unbranched with 7-8 cells, each containing seven individuals at different stages of development. Pollen analysis revealed that plants of the families Fabaceae and Lamiaceae were most preferred by X. iris. These findings suggest that even though the nectar and pollen foraging behavior of this species is known to be polylectic, their larval diet choices might be much more specialized.