N. 54: S. Vicidomini

G. it. Ent., 12 (54): 47-53

December 2007

Biologia di Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linneo, 1758)

(Hymenoptera: Apidae):

foraggiamento su Capparis spinosa L. (Capparaceae)

di

SALVATORE VICIDOMINI

Abstract - Biology of Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Apidae): foraging behaviour on Capparis spinosa L. (Capparaceae) - To report on the foraging behaviour of Xylocopa violacea (L.) (Apidae: Xylocopini) on Capparis spinosa L. (Capparaceae) is the aim of this paper. Main results are as follows: a) females only visit C. spinosa; b) the visit period is June-July; c) foraging mainly occurs between late afternoon and dusk (17:30-20:00); d) X. violacea shows 4 different foraging tactics owing to both the type of resource collected (pollen and/or nectar) and flower turgidity; e) X. violacea females spend 3.99 s/flower (4.37 s/flower for nectar collection; 2.29 for pollen; 6.94 for nectar + pollen), visit 6.55 flowers/min and spend 26.13 s/min on flowers (43.5%) and 33.87 s/min (56.5%) in flight between a flower and the next one; f) it is possible that 35-40 s is the maximum time that a X. violacea female can spend in flight per one minute of foraging activity, beyond this, tissue reserves may begin to decrease.

N. 54: S. Vicidomini

G. it. Ent., 12 (54): 55-64

December 2007

Biologia di Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linneo, 1758)

(Hymenoptera: Apidae):

studio preliminare sulla demografia

di

SALVATORE VICIDOMINI

Abstract - Biology of Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Apidae): preliminary study on the demography - To outline the main demographic traits of a southern Italian population of Xylocopa violacea (L.) is the aim of this contribution. Main results are as follows: a) The preferred nest substratum is the cut and dried A. donax cane, a recently acquired ethological character for X. violacea; b) The egg shows the highest mortality rate (7.48%), followed by the "non-defecating larva" (2.49%); c) 1/3 mortality not caused by predation-parasitism is due to individual deformation; d) Predator-parasite mortality (17.80% of cells = 18.11% of laid eggs; 23.66% of nests) is as follows: by conspecific females (7.96% of eggs), P. sicula (Lacertidae) (3.76%), C. scutellaris (Formicidae) (2.89%), S. cerambycina (Acari) (2.60%), P. pallidula (Formicidae) (0.58%); e) Mortality not due to predation-parasitism regards 19.53% of cells (18.07% of laid eggs); f) Conspecific females rob 8.1% of the pollen paste; g) Total mortality is 37.34% of cells (36.23% of laid eggs); h) In the study area, the main limiting factor to population growth is predation-parasitism, particularly intraspecific parasitism due to nest crowding; i) Population shows a density-dependent control and growth; j) Mortality is hardly affected by local ecological and climatic factors; k) X. violacea predators and parasites are occasional; l) There is a different preimaginal mortality between sexes (females are more vital).

N. 54: S. Vicidomini

G. it. Ent., 12 (54): 65-73

December 2007

Sistematica e distribuzione degli Xylocopini

(Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae):

rassegna delle specie del Cile

di

SALVATORE VICIDOMINI

Abstract - Systematics and distribution of the Xylocopini (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae): check-list of the species of Chile - To provide a key to the Xylocopini of Chile is the aim of this contribution. The species recorded from Chile are: Xylocopa (Neoxylocopa) bruesi Cockerell 1914, X. (Shoenherria) splendidula Lepeletier 1841, X. (S.) viridigastra Lepeletier 1841. Doubtful records from the country are reported for X. (S.) dimidiata Latreille 1809 and X. (Megaxylocopa) fimbriata Fabricius 1804. X. viridigastra lojaensis new subspecies is described from Ecuador (Loja).

N. 52: P. Rosa

G. it. Ent., 11 (52): 79-90

December 2004

Alcune osservazioni sulle relazioni tra Vegetazione

e Crisidi (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae) in Italia

di

PAOLO ROSA

Abstract - Some observations on the relations between Vegetation and Chrysidid Wasps in Italy (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae) - Some new records of plants visited by chrysidid wasps in Italy (with the exception of Daucus carota L. and Achillea millefolium L.) are listed. Some species of Umbelliferae [Laserpitium gallicum L., Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier et Levrier, Imperatoria verticillaris (L.) DC.] attract successfully many chrysidid species. Other interesting observations on the plants visited by chrysidid wasps in the mountains, as well as their feeding on pine resins and on the substances exuded by opening chestnut shells are presented.

N. 52: S. Vicidomini

G. it. Ent., 11 (52): 91-98

December 2004

Biologia di Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linneo, 1758)

(Hymenoptera: Apidae):

foraggiamento su Vicia faba L. (Leguminosae: Vicieae)

di

SALVATORE VICIDOMINI

Abstract - Biology of Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Apidae): foraging behaviour on Vicia faba L. (Leguminosae: Vicieae) - The aim of this contribution is to study the foraging ethology of Xylocopa violacea on Vicia faba. Two foraging tactics have been observed: from the corolla, with flower pollination (3.4% of flowers), and nectar robbery, without flower pollination and damage to the flower (96.6%). Female visit less flowers/min. than males and spend longer time on a flower than males; males visit a double number of flowers/min. in January than in March; they spend longer time on a flower in March than in January and more s/min. (+48%) in flight in March than in January. These data come from the male mating behaviour in this area: the random search for females in flight on V. faba in February-April. A number of advantages come from the robbery tactic, among them, a higher number of flowers/min. visited than with the corolla tactic, as recorded for Lamium purpureum. The robbery tactic among the Xylocopini is probably so widespread for the following hypothesis: the nectar robbery tactic, with or without pollination, allows a higher number of flowers visited per min. than the corolla tactic, with increased energetic reward. X. violacea is a very inefficient pollinator of V. faba. Other V. faba visitors are: Macroglossum stellatarum and Pieris brassicae (Lepidoptera), Epicometis hirta and Oxythyrea funesta (Coleoptera), Anthophora acervorum, Apis mellifera, Bombus terrestris, Eucera longicornis, Xylocopa iris and 3 other undetermined species of Apidae. Other plant species on which X. violacea uses the robbery tactic are: Antirrhinum majus, Canna indica, Cordia mixa, Linaria vulgaris, Mirabilis jalapa, Symphytum tuberosum, Trapeolum lobbianum, Salvia eriocalyx, S. menthaefolia, S. mexicana, Saponaria officinalis, Petunia hybrida, Corydalis sp., Fumaria sp., Jasminum nudiflorum, Lonicera etrusca, Petrocoptis grandiflora, Narcissus cantabricus, N. tazetta, Vicia sativa. It is supposed that X. violacea feeds also on the pollen of V. faba.

N. 52: S. Vicidomini

G. it. Ent., 11 (52): 99-101

December 2004

Sistematica e distribuzione degli Xylocopini

(Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae): nuove e rare segnalazioni

di

SALVATORE VICIDOMINI

Abstract - Systematics and distribution of the Xylocopini (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae): new and rare records - New faunistic records are reported for some Xylocopini (Apidae): Xylocopa caffra (L.), extra range record: Eat Indies; X. latipes (Drury), first record (historical: 1876) from Australia (Cape York); X. sulcatipes Maa, first record from Jordan (Qa Disi); X. torrida (Westwood), wrong extra-range record: India (Sikkim); X. violacea (L.), confirmed presence in China.

N. 52: S. Vicidomini

G. it. Ent., 11 (52): 103-104

December 2004

Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linneo, 1758)

(Hymenoptera: Apidae):

descrizione delle antenne della pupa

di

SALVATORE VICIDOMINI

Abstract - Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Apidae): description of the antennae of the pupa - The description of the antennae of the pupa of Xylocopa violacea (L.) (Apidae: Xylocopini) is the aim of this note. Main results are as follows: a) the ventral side of pupal antennal flagellomeres is carinate; b) only adult males of Lestis species show this character among the Xylocopini; c) Lestis should be probably included in Xylocopa, as ancestral group of this.

N. 52: S. Vicidomini, M. Impembo, G. Fasanaro

G. it. Ent., 11 (52): 105-107

December 2004

Biologia di Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linneo, 1758)

(Hymenoptera: Apidae):

analisi quantitativa dei carboidrati contenuti nella pasta pollinica

di

SALVATORE VICIDOMINI, MARIO IMPEMBO, GAETANO FASANARO

Abstract - Biology of Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Apidae): quantitative analysis of carbohydrates contained by the pollen paste - To determine the quantitative pattern of carbohydrates contained by the pollen paste of Xylocopa violacea (L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in southern Italy is the aim of this note. The identified carbohydrates are as follows (fresh weight %): monosaccharides (fructose 23.70%; glucose 20.45%); disaccharides (saccharose 0.74%); tetrasaccharides (stachiose = lupeose 1.50%).

N. 52: S. Vicidomini

G. it. Ent., 11 (52): 109-112

December 2004

Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linneo, 1758)

(Hymenoptera: Apidae):

studio preliminare sul dimorfismo sessuale. II

di

SALVATORE VICIDOMINI

Abstract - Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Apidae): preliminary study on the sexual dimorphism. II - A quantitative study on the head sexual dimorphism (F-M%) in a Campanian (South Italy) pupae population of Xylocopa violacea (L.) (Apidae: Xylocopini). Sexual dimorphism is significant for all characters (F-M% ≥ 1). For two characters, male mean is higher than the female one [F-M% < 0; Fr, Fx(XI)], mainly for the male additional flagellomere. Little significant (1 ≤ F-M% < 5) is the sexual dimorphism for OCmin. LgSC1/2, FI and Fx(XI) characters; highly significant (F-M% > 30) for OVP-MPC, OVP-OC, LgMb and LgM1/2 characters; normally significant (5 ≤ F-M% ≤ 30) for the other 19 characters. Antennae characters show a non significant sexual dimorphism (F-M% = 0.42) for their important function in both sexes. Compound eyes (12.71) and toruli (13.95) characters are only affected by the different sizes of the two sexes, because show the same dimorphism of pupal total length. Visual ocelli (32.61) and mandibles (31.18) characters show a significantly higher sexual dimorphism with respect to pupal total length, mainly because the nest is bored by the female only.

N. 51: P. Rosa

G. it. Ent., 10 (51): 301-313

October 2003

Nuovi reperti di crisidi per l'Italia, con note tassonomiche

(Hymenoptera, Chrysididae)

di

PAOLO ROSA

Abstract - New records of Chrysidid Wasps for Italy, with taxonomic notes (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae) - New records of 17 species and 6 subspecies of Hymenoptera Chrysididae from Italy are reported. Taxa new to Italy: Hedychridium valesianum Linsenmaier stat. nov., Philoctetes perraudini (Linsenmaier) n. comb., Chrysura judith (Balthasar), C. pseudodichroa (Linsenmaier), C. simplex ampliata (Linsenmaier), Chrysis diacantha franciscae Linsenmaier, C. longula sublongula Linsenmaier, C. rutiliventris vanlithi Linsenmaier, Stilbum calens wesmaeli Dahlbom. Taxa new to North Italy: Elampus constrictus (Förster), Chrysura isabella (Trautmann), Chrysis immaculata Buysson, C. germari intergermari Linsenmaier. Taxa new to South Italy: Cleptes putoni Buysson, Chrysis daphnis Mocsáry, C. lusitanica Bischoff, Pseudomalus puncticollis (Mocsáry). Species new to Sardinia: Hedychridium lampas (Christ) and Hedychrum nobile antigai Buysson. Species new to Sicily: Chrysis pulcherrima Lepeletier. Spinolia segusiana (Giraud), previously considered a synonym of Spinolia lamprosoma (Förster), is a full species. Taxonomic notes are given for most taxa.

N. 50: S. Vicidomini

G. it. Ent., 10 (50): 151-154

September 2002

Biologia di Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linneo, 1758)

(Hymenoptera, Apidae, Xylocopini):

plasticità del foraggiamento

di

SALVATORE VICIDOMINI

Abstract - Biology of Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Xylocopini): foraging plasticity - The foraging plasticity of X. violacea was studied. The flowers of 130 plant species belonging to 35 genera of 26 families were visited by the species.

N. 50: S. Vicidomini

G. it. Ent., 10 (50): 155-158

September 2002

Biologia di Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linneo, 1758)

(Hymenoptera, Apidae, Xylocopini):

studio preliminare sull'approvvigionamento

delle celle pedotrofiche

di

SALVATORE VICIDOMINI

Abstract - Biology of Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Xylocopini): preliminary study on the supplying of the pedotrophic cells - To establish whether the supplying of the pedotrophic cells by Xylocopa violacea is random or not was the aim of this contribution. The colour and position of the pollen pastes from 37 nests were recorded. The average number of colour interruptions in the pollen pastes per nest resulted 1.811 (mode: 1; 0.240 per cell), 44% lower than the random supplying theoretical value (3.243). Only 2 nests out of 37 (5.4%) showed an interruption number equal to the theoretical maximum one. There were not sex linked differences in the pollen paste colour. Results show that X. violacea had not a random behaviour in supplying the cells.

N. 49: S. Vicidomini

G. it. Ent., 9 (49): 313

May 2001

Distribuzione degli Xylocopini

(Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae)

in Italia: prima segnalazione per la Valle d'Aosta

di

SALVATORE VICIDOMINI

Abstract - Distribution of the Xylocopini (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae) in Italy: first record from Valle d'Aosta - First faunistic record of Xylocopa Latreille, 1802 (Apidae: Xylocopini) from Valle d'Aosta (N Italy): X. violacea (L.).

N. 48: M. B. Fuentes, F. C. Cuezzo, O. R. Di Iorio

G. it. Ent., 9 (48): 97-98

December 31, 1998

Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

from the Natural Reserve of Otamendi, Buenos Aires, Argentina

by

M. B. FUENTES, F. C. CUEZZO, O. R. DI IORIO

Abstract - A list of the ant species (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) occurring in the Natural Reserve of Otamendi, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

N. 48: R. H. L. Disney, B. Scanni, E. Scamoni, F. Andrietti

G. it. Ent., 9 (48): 99-104

December 31, 1998

A new species of scuttle fly (Diptera: Phoridae)

whose larvae are kleptoparasites of a bee

(Hymenoptera: Andrenidae)

by

R. H. L. DISNEY, B. SCANNI, E. SCAMONI, F. ANDRIETTI

Abstract - Megaselia andrenae Disney sp. n. is described from Italy, where its larvae feed on the pollen stores of Andrena agilissima (Scopoli).

N. 48: S. Vicidomini

G. it. Ent., 9 (48): 155-158

December 31, 1998

Biologia di Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linneo, 1758)

(Hymenoptera: Apidae):

interessanti osservazioni e segnalazioni in Costa Smeralda

e zone limitrofi (Sassari, Sardegna)

di

SALVATORE VICIDOMINI

Abstract - Biology of Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Apidae): interesting observations and records in the Emerald Coast and neighbouring areas (Sassari, Sardinia) - The foraging behaviour on four flower species is described for Xylocopa violacea (L.) (Apidae) in the Emerald Coast (Sassari, Sardinia). Only females forage on Gazania splendens and G. longiscapa (Asteraceae) in August, they collect pollen by "buzzing-pollination". Aptenia cordifolia (Aizoaceae) is visited mainly by females, but on Polygala vulgaris (Polygalaceae) both sexes have been observed. From the specimens sampled it can be pointed out that X. violacea is present in all the Emerald Coast, and 10 locality records are new.

N. 46: S. Vicidomini

G. it. Ent., 8 (46): 309-313

August 31, 1997

Biology of Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (Linnaeus, 1758)

(Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Male sexual behaviours. I

by

SALVATORE VICIDOMINI

Abstract - The ethological patterns involved in male-male interactions, interspecific interactions and wrong attempts at mating in males of Xylocopa violacea are described. Male-male interactions are involved (except wrong attempts at mating) in sexual recognition. In wrong attempts at homosexual mating (14 cases; 6.7% of all catches performed by males) a patroller male catches a second male and the homosexual couple alights on a perch; the patrolling male attempts copulation rubbing his hind legs against the metasomal sides, and his fore tarsi against the head apex of the caught male, buzzing continuously; moreover, the catcher male tries to bring into contact the two metasomal apexes. Homosexual attempts at mating may be explained as follows: a) changed secretion in the male intercepted; b) gynandromorphic individuals; c) alteration in the development of the behaviour of the male intercepted; d) traumatic insemination of the male intercepted; e) alteration in the sensorial systems of the catcher male. The interference by a male in a couple flight (7.6% of all catches performed by males) is explained in function of the sperm competition within the female involved in a polygamous mating system.

N. 44: Patrizia Cancemi

G. it. Ent., 8 (44): 231-233

December 31, 1996

Trassedia luapi n. gen., n. sp. from Madagascar

(Hymenoptera, Ceraphronoidea, Megaspilidae)

by

PATRIZIA CANCEMI

Abstract - The new Malagasy genus Trassedia (Hym., Ceraphronoidea, Megaspilidae), near Conostigmus Dahlbom, 1858, is described for T. luapi n. sp.

N. 42: S. Vicidomini

G. it. Ent., 8 (42): 77-78

April 30, 1996

Biologia di Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (L., 1758)

(Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Un nuovo predatore dei nidi

di

SALVATORE VICIDOMINI

Abstract - Biology of Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (L., 1758) (Hymenoptera: Apidae). A new nest predator - A list of the Xylocopa violacea predators/parasites in Italy, together with a new X. violacea nest predator - Pheidole pallidula (Nylander, 1848) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) - are recorded.

N. 40: S. Vicidomini

G. it. Ent., 7 (40): 339-344

August 31, 1995

Biologia di Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (L., 1758)

(Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Foraggiamento su Lamium purpureum L. (Lamiaceae)

di

SALVATORE VICIDOMINI

Abstract - Biology of Xylocopa (Xylocopa) violacea (L., 1758) (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Foraging on Lamium purpureum L. (Lamiaceae) - The foraging ethology of Xylocopa violacea on Lamium purpureum is the aim of this contribution. L. purpureum is the main flower for the species to forage in January-February. Two foraging tactics have been recognized: nectar robbery ("R") and from corolla ("C"). These tactics are irreversible for males and reversible for females. The "R" tactic does not cause pollination and damage to the flower. The interocular hairy area is the pollen transporter. The foraging period is January-February for males and February-March for females. Foraging is highly progressive. Population efficiency is 10.5 flowers/min.; males and "R" individuals are more efficient than females and "C" individuals. Efficiency is higher in February than in March for females owing to the sexual harassment of March (main month for sexual interactions). Considerable individual differences in efficiency have been observed (5.00-37.17 flowers/min. for males; 2.39-18.00 for females). The mean time spent on a flower was 3.09 s., 3.29 s. with the "R" tactic, 3.03 s. with the "C" tactic; males spent 3.48 s. on a flower, females 2.65 s. Females spent more time in flight than males; the modal value for males is 3 s. (40.2%) on a flower, 2 s. (52.2%) for females. Males forage at t ≥ 8 °C, females at t ≥ 11 °C. "R" individuals spend more time on a flower than "C" individuals. The "R" tactic is so widespread in the Xylocopini probably because "R" individuals are more efficient (work hypothesis). Other visitors to Lamium purpureum are Apis mellifera, Bombus terrestris (Apidae) and Macroglossum stellatarum (Lepidoptera).