Colletes bhutanicus
Why in News?
- Colletes bhutanicus, a rare solitary Himalayan bee, has been recorded in India for the first time by scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) during surveys in Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh. The discovery was reported on 12 August 2026.
- The finding extends the known distribution of the species, previously recorded from Bhutan and China, including the Xizang region.
About the Species
- Scientific name: Colletes bhutanicus Kuhlmann, 2003; it belongs to the bee family Colletidae, commonly known as plasterer or cellophane bees.
- Nature: It is a solitary bee, meaning individual females generally construct and occupy their own nests rather than forming large eusocial colonies like honeybees.
- Habitat: The species was recorded at elevations of approximately 1,500–3,800 metres in the Eastern Himalayas.
- Pollination: Researchers observed it visiting 25 flowering plant species belonging to 10 botanical families, including mustard, buckwheat, coriander, beans, chilli and eggplant.
Ecological Significance
- Pollinator Diversity: The discovery highlights the rich but relatively under-documented diversity of native Himalayan pollinators.
- Agricultural Importance: By transferring pollen between flowers, solitary bees contribute to the reproduction of wild plants and potentially support mountain agriculture and crop productivity.
- Biodiversity Indicator: Pollinators are sensitive to changes in habitat, climate and land-use patterns; documenting their distribution can therefore help understand ecosystem health.
- Eastern Himalayas: Arunachal Pradesh's varied altitude, climate and vegetation create diverse habitats, but many remote areas remain insufficiently surveyed.
