Nine solitary bee species discovered in Kerala for the first time

Researchers have documented nine species of solitary bees from the subfamily Nomiinae for the first time in Kerala, marking a significant increase in the state’s known bee biodiversity.

• The findings, which were published in the Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics (Vol. 11, Issue 3, 2025), reveal that Kerala now harbors 42 species of Nomiinae, representing over 50% of India’s and 87.7% of South India’s known fauna in this subfamily.

The newly recorded species include:

• Austronomia capitata, Austronomia goniognatha, Austronomia ustula
• Gnathonomia argenteobalteata
• Hoplonomia incerta
• Lipotriches torrida, Lipotriches exagens, Lipotriches minutula, and Lipotriches pulchriventris

Among these, the rediscovery of Gnathonomia argenteobalteata is particularly notable, as it was last recorded in India over a century ago. The surveys were conducted in various habitats, including the Kole wetlands and riverside and hillock areas in Thrissur.

About solitary bees

• Unlike the social honeybees that live in colonies and produce honey, solitary bees live independently, with each female building and provisioning her own nest, typically in the ground.
• While they do not produce honey, their ecological contribution is immense.
• As vital pollinators, they play a crucial role in sustaining both wild ecosystems and agricultural productivity.
• Their nesting activities also help to improve soil aeration, moisture retention, and fertility.

(Source: TH)