Nine solitary bee species discovered in Kerala for the first time
Nine solitary bee species discovered in Kerala for the first time
Key Points:
- Researchers from Christ College, Thrissur (Shadpada Entomology Research Lab) have discovered 9 species of solitary bees from the subfamily Nomiinae (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) in Kerala for the first time.
- Solitary bees differ from honeybees; they live independently, with each female constructing her own nest.
- Newly recorded species:
- Austronomia capitata, A. goniognatha, A. ustula
- Gnathonomia argenteobalteata (rediscovered after a century in India)
- Hoplonomia incerta
- Lipotriches torrida (first time outside its type locality), L. exagens, L. minutula, L. pulchriventris
- Kerala now harbors 42 species of Nomiinae, accounting for 50.6% of India’s and 87.7% of South India’s known species in this subfamily.
- Solitary bees are important pollinators, contributing to agriculture, ecosystem sustainability, and soil health through nesting activities.
- Research was funded by Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (KSCSTE) and UGC.
Updated: August 15, 2025 02:39 pm IST | The Hindu
UPSC BPSC MPPSC JPSC UKPSC SSC CGL UPPSC RPSC TNPSC WBCS RRBNTPC Kerala Christ College Shadpada Entomology Research Lab Solitary Bees Nomiinae Hymenoptera Halictidae Pollinators Biodiversity Austronomia capitata Austronomia goniognatha Austronomia ustula Gnathonomia argenteobalteata Hoplonomia incerta Lipotriches torrida Lipotriches exagens Lipotriches minutula Lipotriches pulchriventris Soil Aeration Ecosystem Services KSCSTE UGC Insect Biodiversity Thrissur