I

ANNO 2 Numero 3
Nicola Palmieri [1], Marino Quaranta [2], Anna Gloria Sabatini [3]
Foraging strategy of Anthophora plumipes (Pallas) (Hymenoptera, Anthophoridae) studied by means of the intestine and leg pollen loads analysis

[1]Studio Naturalistico, Ponte Pattoli, Perugia (Italy)
[2] CRA - Istituto Sperimentale per la Frutticultura, Roma (Italy)
[3]CRA - Istituto Nazionale di Apicoltura (Italy)

Corresponding author: marino.quaranta@entecra.it

A research on the foraging activity of adult females of Anthophora plumipes (Pallas) was carried out in the Scientific and Educational Park of Isola Polvese, inside the Regional Park of the Trasimeno Lake, central Italy, aiming to obtain helpful information for the use of this bee in pollination management of cultivated or natural flora. A. plumipes is a common bee species widespread in the Palearctic region, and in North Africa, often nesting in large aggregations. Its tolerance to different kinds of environments and its consequently wide geographic distribution, makes it an interesting candidate as a species to be employed in programs of pollination management.

A list of 41 flower species found in the intestine and in the legs of 23 specimens, by the means of the pollen analysis, is presented. The examination of the flower composition and of the frequencies of the pollen grains showed that the favourite botanical species in the investigated area were Leopoldia comosa (L.), Teucrium fruticans L., Aesculus hippocastanum L. and Fraxinus ornus L.

The minimum number of pollen types found in a single female foraging pollen and nectar was 6, the maximum number, 20, the medium number for female, 13.9 (st. dev. = ±3.84). A great number (70%) of the females carried more than 10 pollen types. The entomopalinology is shown to be an advantageous instrument to refine the knowledge on the feeding behaviour of the pollen-collecting species and to provide suitable indications for pollination programs. Anthophora plumipes is revealed to be a largely polylectic species and could be profitably employed in restoration or conservation of natural areas.