Augmentation of managed populations of Osmia cornuta and O. rufa (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in Southeastern Europe

Abstract

We describe augmentation of managed populations of Osmia cornuta and O. rufa in the vicinity of Belgrade (Serbia). Annual augmentation of O. cornuta populations was more than five-fold during the six years of our study. This was achieved by watering the soil near the Osmia augmentation shelters used for nest building. However, populations of O. rufa under the same treatment only doubled annually. Data are also presented on sex ratios in these managed populations, the sex ratio being an important factor in increasing population numbers and raising pollination efficacy. Sex ratio values (♂ : ♀) varied from 1.46 : 1 to 3.22 : 1 in the populations of O. cornuta and from 1.35 : 1 to 2.68 : 1 in those of O. rufa.

Keywords

• hymenoptera
• megachilidae
• orchard bees
• pollination
• osmia cornuta
• osmia rufa
• augmentation
• soil watering
• serbia