Rainfall, temperature, and vegetation type influence nesting by the oil-collecting bee Centris (Hemisiella) tarsata in Brazilian restinga

Solitary bees are the main pollinators of native plant species and crops, therefore, understanding how they respond to the environment is essential to maintain ecosystem function and services. Here, we assessed how climatic conditions and vegetation type influence Centris tarsata nesting in Brazilian restinga. Evaluations were conducted using trap-nests placed in open areas, shrubby and secondary vegetations, and at understory and canopy in open areas and secondary vegetations. Overall, nesting was higher during the dry season, mostly in open areas at a height of 1.5 m. However, in shrubby and secondary vegetations, nesting seems to be favored by a specific rainfall and temperature range. Furthermore, the amount of brood cells, total number of adults, and nest length were higher in open areas compared to shrubby and secondary vegetations. Therefore, our results show that rainfall, temperature, and vegetation structure are determining factors in C. tarsata nesting in the Brazilian restinga.