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Science 22 October 1976:
Vol. 194. no. 4263, pp. 445 - 448
DOI: 10.1126/science.194.4263.445
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Articles

Halictine Social Evolution: The Australian Enigma

GERD KNERER 1 and MICHAEL SCHWARZ 2

1 Department of Zoology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A1, Canada
2 Mt. Macedon, Victoria 3441, Australia

Australian halictines belong to the primitive genus Lasioglossum or related subgenera. The underground nests have lined cells in series or clusters and sometimes at the end of laterals. Two full generations per year are produced in the communal nests. Overwintered and newly emerged females form unique "pseudosocieties" rather than matrifilial societies along Holarctic patterns. Several Chilalictus species produce a "male caste" of big-headed, flightless males, in addition to normal individuals. Oviposition of unfertilized eggs on large pollen balls causes such allometric bees.

Submitted on June 14, 1976

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)