Biology and immature stages of the bee genus Meganomia (Hymenoptera, Melittidae). American Museum novitates ; no. 2630

14 p. : ill. ; 26 cm.Includes bibliographical references (p. 14)."The hibernating, postdefecating larva and pupa of Meganomia binghami (Cockerell) are described and compared with similar stages of other melittid bees. Biological information on this species and on an undescribed species of Meganomia includes the following information: nest ecology, nest configuration and structure, provisioning, development, number of generations a year, mating, sound production and daily activity of adults. The placement of the genus in the Melittidae cannot be evaluated on the basis of larvae because the numerous similarities shared by Meganomia, Melitta, and Macropis are symplesiomorphic. However, there are no larval characteristics that would exclude Meganomia from the family. Cladistic analysis of features of the mature larva indicates that Meganomia is a sister group to all other melittids whose immaturites are known"--p. [1]