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Scientists have recorded the rare, solitary Himalayan bee Colletes Bhutanicus in Arunachal Pradesh for the first time.
- Colletes bhutanicus - Colletes bhutanicus is a solitary Himalayan bee.
- Unlike honeybees, Colletes bees generally do not live in large colonies or hives.
- Individual females typically construct and occupy their own nests.
- Despite being solitary, they are important pollinators.
- Key Facts
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Feature
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Details
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Species
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Colletes bhutanicus
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Genus
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Colletes
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Type
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Solitary bee
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First Indian record
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Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
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Elevation recorded
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1,500–3,800 m
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Previously known from
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Bhutan and China
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Major ecological role
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Pollination
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- Habitat - The bee was recorded in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh at elevations between 1,500 and 3,800 metres.
- Its occurrence in Tawang is significant because it extends the known distribution of the species into India and the eastern Himalayas.
- Bee Visiting Plants - Researchers observed C. bhutanicus visiting 25 species of flowering plants, including:
- Mustard
- Buckwheat
- Coriander
- Beans
- Chilli
- Eggplant
- This indicates that the bee interacts with both wild vegetation and cultivated crops.
- Importance of Solitary Bees
- Solitary bees play an important role in pollination.
- While collecting pollen and nectar, they transfer pollen between flowers.
- This facilitates plant reproduction.
- They can contribute to the productivity of flowering crops.
- Native pollinators are particularly important for maintaining ecosystem functioning and agricultural productivity.
- Earlier Distribution of C. bhutanicus- Before its Indian record, the species was known from:
- Bhutan
- China, including the Xizang (Tibet) region
- Its presence in Tawang therefore adds India to its known geographical distribution.
Reference
India Today | Colletes Bhutanicus
