First finding of sculptured resin bee (Megachile sculpturalis Smith) in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

In the summer of 2020, first specimen of sculptured resin bee (Megachile sculpturalis Smith) was found at the University city of Banja Luka. The female was nesting in wooden tunnel with 10 mm in diametar. Location of the nest was near the old trees of Sophora japonica, plant species usually visited by this bee species. After first observation another findings were recorded in different parts of the city of Banja Luka what implicate that M. sculpturalis has beeen introduced several years ago. M. sculpturalis originates from Asia while in the last 12 years it has rapidly spread throught Europe. It is active in the period from Jun to August while it overwinters as larva in the nest. Main plant hosts of M. sculpturalis are Sophora japonica, Pycnanthemum sp., Lythrum salicaria, Koelreuteria paniculata and others. It is one of the biggest bees in the world, while it doesn't show any sings of aggresion. Samples were taken for genetic analisys for determination of path of introducion. Potential impact on domestic bees and wild bee fauna in area of introduction will be explored.