Survey of knowledge of the Andrenidae Family (Insecta: Hymenoptera)

Abstract

They are typically solitary, so each female builds her own nest, consisting of one or a few cells at the end of a gallery, each cell presenting a clear bilateral symmetry. Some species can present a gregarious behavior, so they can be found forming aggregations of up to 40 females. Exceptionally, groups of up to 500 females have been found sharing a single entrance to the nest, a behavior that gives them an advantage over some parasites The family Andrenidae (Bulldozer bees) are not offensive, only when defending their eggs will they take the initiative to attack. Their claw needles are not powerful and usually cannot penetrate the skin. After being stabbed, they feel only mild pain. The female digs branching tunnels and forms a cell at the end of each one, where she deposits an egg after supplying it with pollen and nectar. The objective of this paper is to know the characteristics of the Family Adrenidae. In terms of the type of research source, we worked with scientific articles published in national and international journals. This modality of production, in addition to being commonly the most valued in the set of bibliographic production, is the most easily accessed. Access to articles was through virtual libraries such as SciELO, ResearchGate, Hall, USP, UNB, CAPES and LILACS.