Colletes bhutanicus:
Colletes bhutanicus has been recorded for the first time in India from Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh by scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).
- Colletes bhutanicus is a rare solitary Himalayan plasterer bee, recorded from Arunachal Pradesh for the first time.
- It has been recorded from Bhutan and China, including the Xizang region.
- Unlike honeybees, Colletes bees are solitary and do not live in large colonies.
- Individual bees generally nest separately and play an important role in pollination by moving between flowers to collect pollen and nectar.
- Ecological Role of Bees:
- Honey bees are vital to agriculture because their pollination activities directly influence crop yields and quality.
- They are the main pollinators of plants.
- They contribute significantly to maintaining biodiversity. By pollinating a diverse range of wild plants, honey bees help sustain the balance of ecosystems.
- Bees are sensitive to environmental changes, making them excellent bioindicators.
