Which plant species is often a favored source for nesting fuzz in invasive ranges?
Answer
*Stachys*, commonly known as lamb's ears.
When the Wool Carder Bee is found in its introduced territories, ecologists have observed a strong preference for particular host plants when gathering nesting material. Specifically, the plant species *Stachys*, which is widely known by its common name, lamb's ears, is often cited as a favored source. The fuzzy texture of the leaves of lamb's ears makes it an excellent source for the soft, woolly fiber that the female *A. manicatum* scrapes off to line the cells of her nest. The density of this specific plant directly correlates with the likelihood of finding active nesting sites nearby in managed environments.
Related Questions
When was *Anthidium manicatum* first officially detected in the USA?What distinctive marking identifies the male European Wool Carder Bee?How does the nesting strategy of the female *A. manicatum* contrast with honeybees?What specific fibrous material gives the Wool Carder Bee its common name?Which plant species is often a favored source for nesting fuzz in invasive ranges?Besides fibrous material, what physical substrate must *A. manicatum* females seek for nesting cavities?What role do territorial males play in locating nesting activity?What geographical areas constitute the native home range of *Anthidium manicatum*?Where is the Wool Carder Bee particularly prevalent within the United Kingdom?How does tracking an *A. manicatum* sighting in North America contrast with one in its native range?