What specialized substance do females of the Family Colletidae secrete to line brood cells?
Answer
A specialized substance often described as cellophane-like
The Family Colletidae, which encompasses the Yellow-faced Bees, possesses a highly distinctive trait related to nesting behavior. The female bee secretes a specialized substance directly from her mouth during nest preparation. This secretion is often described using tactile comparisons, specifically as being cellophane-like in texture and property. The primary purpose of applying this lining to the interior of the brood cells and using it to plug the nest entrance is to create a barrier that is highly waterproof and resistant to contaminants, thereby ensuring a secure and protected environment necessary for the proper development of the brood offspring inside the cell.
Related Questions
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