The nest materials and structure of Megachile (Chalicodoma) desertorum

Abstract：        Megachile (chalicodoma) desertorum Morawitz is an important pollinator of many endangered species and constructive desert plants in West Erdos Region. The site, materials and structure of 5 148 nests were investigated in this region. The nest materials, pH values, and soil compactions were measured respectively in 4 kinds of nest sites different in surface soil composition, and the process of nesting was observed continuously in fixed points. The results showed that 9580% of nests were built in rock surfaces, while less were built in manmade soil walls, shrub branches, cement column surfaces and steel window frames. The percentage of eastward nests was 831%, southward nests 142%, westward nests 24%, and northward nests 03%. The material was the slurry of sand and saliva. The pH values of nest materials were from 818 to 934, soil compactions about 128~184g/cm3, diameters of most soil particles from 006 mm to 015 mm, and nests were generally composed of 4~10 cells. It indicated that M. desertorum preferred to build nests in eastward rock surfaces with materials of saliva mixing alkaline sand particles from 006 mm to 015 mm in diameter, which also suggested its adaptability to arid and torrid desert habitats.