Bee diversity in Spain. Population trend and conservation measures (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Anthophila)

Abstract

Ortiz-Sánchez, F.J., Aguado Martín, L.O., Ornosa, C. 2018. Bee diversity in Spain. Population trend and conservation measures (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Anthophila). Ecosistemas 27(2): 3-8. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.1315

Bees belong to the order Hymenoptera, superfamily Apoidea, and constitute the monophyletic group Anthophila, originating from sphecoid wasps. There are about 20 000 species described in the world, 3370 in the western Palearctic and nearly 2000 in Europe. The Mediterranean basin is one of the areas with the richest diversity of bees, and in Spain more than 1100 species have been recorded. There are six families of bees in Europe with contrasting body sizes and life histories. Different species show different levels of social organization, from solitary to eusocial, including some parasitic species. Bees can nest in a variety of substrates (soil, rocks, wood, stems). Females collect large amounts of nectar and pollen to provision their nests with food for their offspring. This, together with their high pollinating effectiveness on many wild and cultivated plants, makes bees a keystone group in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Information on the population trends and conservation status is lacking for most species.