A sleeping agregation of Amegila quadrifasciata maderae (Hymenoptera, Anthophila) - with general remarks on sleeping aggregations in Hymenoptera taxa

Abstract

A photo documentation of a sleeping aggregation of Amegilla quadrifasciata (Villers, 1789) subspecies maderae (Sichel, 1867), endemic to the Madeira Archipelago, is presented. About 40 males rested together on withered twigs of Ageratina adenophora (Asteraceae), attached to stems by their mandibles. Many specimens had the body slightly angled horizontally or stretched out slightly curved, with the legs positioned near the body, the wings closed over the abdomen, and the antennae slightly bent backwards. The individuals were concentrated close together and formed a clumped aggregation.