| Timestamp | Username | URL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:39, 16 March 2025 | Armoured Jupiter | https://australianhistory.net/Contents/Amegilla_Zonata.php | |
| ==Amegilla Zonata== {{Speciesbox | name = Blue Banded Bee | image = <!-- Image will need to be uploaded separately to Wikipedia --> | image_caption = ''Amegilla zonata'' foraging on a flower | genus = Amegilla | species = ''A. zonata'' | binomial = ''Amegilla zonata'' | binomial_authority = (Linnaeus, 1758) | range_map = <!-- Optional: Add range map if available --> | range_map_caption = Distribution of ''Amegilla zonata'' | synonyms = <!-- Add if applicable --> | class = Insecta | order = Hymenoptera | family = Apidae | subdivision_ranks = Common names | subdivision = Blue banded bee }} '''Blue banded bees''' (''Amegilla zonata'') are solitary bees in the family [[Apidae]], known for their striking blue and black stripes and their role as effective pollinators. Native to India and other parts of the world, these bees exhibit unique behaviors such as buzz pollination, gregarious sleeping clusters, and distinct foraging preferences. This article summarizes research on their behavior, floral preferences, and ecological significance based on a 2018 study conducted in Tamil Nadu, India.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2365</ref> | |||
| 09:39, 16 March 2025 | Armoured Jupiter | https://australianhistory.net/Contents/Amegilla_Zonata.php | |
| ==Description== ''Amegilla zonata'' is characterized by its vibrant blue bands across a black abdomen. Both male and female bees are active floral visitors, with females collecting pollen and nectar while males primarily sip nectar.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2366</ref> They are non-aggressive and rarely sting, with stings causing only mild discomfort akin to a pinprick.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2365</ref> | |||
| 09:39, 16 March 2025 | Armoured Jupiter | https://australianhistory.net/Contents/Amegilla_Zonata.php | |
| ==Behavior==<br> ===Foraging and Floral Resources=== Blue banded bees are active foragers from just before dawn (around 6:00 AM) until dusk (approximately 6:30 PM). They collect nectar and pollen from 21 crop plants and 12 weed species, with a strong preference for yellow flowers, followed by white and purple.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2366</ref> Predominantly visited plant families include [[Fabaceae]], [[Solanaceae]], and [[Cucurbitaceae]]. Notable crops include eggplant (''Solanum melongenum''), tomato (''Lycopersicon esculentum''), and cucumber (''Cucumis sativus''), where they perform buzz pollination by vibrating anthers to release pollen.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2366</ref><br> ===Mating Behavior=== Natural mating was not observed in the study, but forced mating in captivity revealed that males extend their middle and hind legs before copulation, while females approach from below. During mating, the female lies on her back with the male above her.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2367</ref> Mating typically occurs at nesting or foraging sites.<br> ===Sleeping Clusters=== Blue banded bees form sleeping clusters on dried weeds such as ''Achyranthes aspera'' and ''Chloris barbata'', typically near food plants. Cluster formation begins just before sunset (5:49 PM to 6:19 PM) and dissolves before sunrise (5:45 AM to 6:12 AM).<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2367</ref> These clusters are usually male-dominated, though female-biased and sex-mixed clusters occur rarely. Interspecific clusters with cuckoo bees (''Thyreus sp.'') and leaf cutter bees (''Megachile sp.'') have also been observed.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2367</ref><br> ===Nest Defense=== Female bees guard their nests by positioning themselves at the entrance, blocking access with their bodies. They may sting intruders if provoked, though sting autotomy (loss of the sting) does not occur.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2367</ref> | |||
| 09:39, 16 March 2025 | Armoured Jupiter | https://australianhistory.net/Contents/Amegilla_Zonata.php | |
| ==Ecological Significance== ''Amegilla zonata'' plays a vital role in pollinating crops, particularly those in the Solanaceae family like tomatoes and eggplants, where buzz pollination enhances yield.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2365</ref> Their preference for yellow flowers and diverse floral resources underscores their importance in both agricultural and natural ecosystems. | |||
| 09:39, 16 March 2025 | Armoured Jupiter | https://australianhistory.net/Contents/Amegilla_Zonata.php | |
| ==Research== The primary source for this article is a 2018 study by Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Observations were made on floral resources, mating behavior, and sleeping habits during April 2016.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2365-2370</ref> The full study is available at [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336069508 ResearchGate]. | |||
| 09:39, 16 March 2025 | Armoured Jupiter | https://australianhistory.net/Contents/Amegilla_Zonata.php | |
| ==References== {{Reflist}} | |||
| 09:32, 16 March 2025 | Armoured Jupiter | https://australianhistory.net/Contents/Amegilla_Zonata.php | |
| ==Amegilla Zonata== {{Speciesbox | name = Blue Banded Bee | image = <!-- Image will need to be uploaded separately to Wikipedia --> | image_caption = ''Amegilla zonata'' foraging on a flower | genus = Amegilla | species = ''A. zonata'' | binomial = ''Amegilla zonata'' | binomial_authority = (Linnaeus, 1758) | range_map = <!-- Optional: Add range map if available --> | range_map_caption = Distribution of ''Amegilla zonata'' | synonyms = <!-- Add if applicable --> | class = Insecta | order = Hymenoptera | family = Apidae | subdivision_ranks = Common names | subdivision = Blue banded bee }} '''Blue banded bees''' (''Amegilla zonata'') are solitary bees in the family [[Apidae]], known for their striking blue and black stripes and their role as effective pollinators. Native to India and other parts of the world, these bees exhibit unique behaviors such as buzz pollination, gregarious sleeping clusters, and distinct foraging preferences. This article summarizes research on their behavior, floral preferences, and ecological significance based on a 2018 study conducted in Tamil Nadu, India.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2365</ref><br><br> ==Description== ''Amegilla zonata'' is characterized by its vibrant blue bands across a black abdomen. Both male and female bees are active floral visitors, with females collecting pollen and nectar while males primarily sip nectar.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2366</ref> They are non-aggressive and rarely sting, with stings causing only mild discomfort akin to a pinprick.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2365</ref> | |||
| 09:32, 16 March 2025 | Armoured Jupiter | https://australianhistory.net/Contents/Amegilla_Zonata.php | |
| ==Behavior==<br> ===Foraging and Floral Resources=== Blue banded bees are active foragers from just before dawn (around 6:00 AM) until dusk (approximately 6:30 PM). They collect nectar and pollen from 21 crop plants and 12 weed species, with a strong preference for yellow flowers, followed by white and purple.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2366</ref> Predominantly visited plant families include [[Fabaceae]], [[Solanaceae]], and [[Cucurbitaceae]]. Notable crops include eggplant (''Solanum melongenum''), tomato (''Lycopersicon esculentum''), and cucumber (''Cucumis sativus''), where they perform buzz pollination by vibrating anthers to release pollen.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2366</ref><br> ===Mating Behavior=== Natural mating was not observed in the study, but forced mating in captivity revealed that males extend their middle and hind legs before copulation, while females approach from below. During mating, the female lies on her back with the male above her.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2367</ref> Mating typically occurs at nesting or foraging sites.<br> ===Sleeping Clusters=== Blue banded bees form sleeping clusters on dried weeds such as ''Achyranthes aspera'' and ''Chloris barbata'', typically near food plants. Cluster formation begins just before sunset (5:49 PM to 6:19 PM) and dissolves before sunrise (5:45 AM to 6:12 AM).<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2367</ref> These clusters are usually male-dominated, though female-biased and sex-mixed clusters occur rarely. Interspecific clusters with cuckoo bees (''Thyreus sp.'') and leaf cutter bees (''Megachile sp.'') have also been observed.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2367</ref><br> ===Nest Defense=== Female bees guard their nests by positioning themselves at the entrance, blocking access with their bodies. They may sting intruders if provoked, though sting autotomy (loss of the sting) does not occur.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2367</ref> | |||
| 09:32, 16 March 2025 | Armoured Jupiter | https://australianhistory.net/Contents/Amegilla_Zonata.php | |
| ==Ecological Significance== ''Amegilla zonata'' plays a vital role in pollinating crops, particularly those in the Solanaceae family like tomatoes and eggplants, where buzz pollination enhances yield.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2365</ref> Their preference for yellow flowers and diverse floral resources underscores their importance in both agricultural and natural ecosystems. | |||
| 09:32, 16 March 2025 | Armoured Jupiter | https://australianhistory.net/Contents/Amegilla_Zonata.php | |
| ==Research== The primary source for this article is a 2018 study by Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Observations were made on floral resources, mating behavior, and sleeping habits during April 2016.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2365-2370</ref> The full study is available at [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336069508 ResearchGate]. | |||
| 09:32, 16 March 2025 | Armoured Jupiter | https://australianhistory.net/Contents/Amegilla_Zonata.php | |
| ==References== {{Reflist}} | |||
| 09:32, 16 March 2025 | Armoured Jupiter | https://australianhistory.net/Contents/Amegilla_Zonata.php | |
| ==Amegilla Zonata== {{Speciesbox | name = Blue Banded Bee | image = <!-- Image will need to be uploaded separately to Wikipedia --> | image_caption = ''Amegilla zonata'' foraging on a flower | genus = Amegilla | species = ''A. zonata'' | binomial = ''Amegilla zonata'' | binomial_authority = (Linnaeus, 1758) | range_map = <!-- Optional: Add range map if available --> | range_map_caption = Distribution of ''Amegilla zonata'' | synonyms = <!-- Add if applicable --> | class = Insecta | order = Hymenoptera | family = Apidae | subdivision_ranks = Common names | subdivision = Blue banded bee }} '''Blue banded bees''' (''Amegilla zonata'') are solitary bees in the family [[Apidae]], known for their striking blue and black stripes and their role as effective pollinators. Native to India and other parts of the world, these bees exhibit unique behaviors such as buzz pollination, gregarious sleeping clusters, and distinct foraging preferences. This article summarizes research on their behavior, floral preferences, and ecological significance based on a 2018 study conducted in Tamil Nadu, India.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2365</ref> | |||
| 09:31, 16 March 2025 | Armoured Jupiter | https://australianhistory.net/Contents/Amegilla_Zonata.php | |
| ==Amegilla Zonata== {{Speciesbox | name = Blue Banded Bee | image = <!-- Image will need to be uploaded separately to Wikipedia --> | image_caption = ''Amegilla zonata'' foraging on a flower | genus = Amegilla | species = ''A. zonata'' | binomial = ''Amegilla zonata'' | binomial_authority = (Linnaeus, 1758) | range_map = <!-- Optional: Add range map if available --> | range_map_caption = Distribution of ''Amegilla zonata'' | synonyms = <!-- Add if applicable --> | class = Insecta | order = Hymenoptera | family = Apidae | subdivision_ranks = Common names | subdivision = Blue banded bee }} '''Blue banded bees''' (''Amegilla zonata'') are solitary bees in the family [[Apidae]], known for their striking blue and black stripes and their role as effective pollinators. Native to India and other parts of the world, these bees exhibit unique behaviors such as buzz pollination, gregarious sleeping clusters, and distinct foraging preferences. This article summarizes research on their behavior, floral preferences, and ecological significance based on a 2018 study conducted in Tamil Nadu, India.<ref>Behavior of Blue Banded Bees, Sandeep KJ and Muthuraman M, 2018, P.2365</ref> | |||
