Host range evolution in a selected group of osmiine bees (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae): the Boraginaceae-Fabaceae paradox

摘要: Bees are extraordinarily diverse with respect to host plant choice and adaptation. Recent findings suggest that bee range might be largely governed by evolutionary constraints related pollen digestion or flower recognition handling. In the present study, we applied phylogenetic inference investigate whether such underlie in bees of Annosmia-Hoplitis group (Megachilidae) what extent these have evolved specialized adaptations for collection. We demonstrate most specialist species exclusively exploit either Boraginaceae Fabaceae, whereas all generalists harvest from both Fabaceae. The counterintuitive affinity towards two families, which neither closely nor share similar morphologies, demonstrates is considerably constrained this bees. hypothesize Boraginaceae-Fabaceae paradox result (1) secondary metabolites families; (2) can detoxified same physiological tools; (3) nutrient composition. Contrary widely held belief collection rare among bees, common where they several times independently flowers different morphologies. © 2012 Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2012, ●●, ●●–●●.