The Family Megachilidae (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) In Pollination Ecology- a Review

Family Megachilidae belongs to cosmopolitan family groups, making nests in the soil, and mostly prefer pre-existing cavities such as pithy stems, galls, and dead wood for nesting. Mostly they are solitary, long-tongued, and have pollen-collecting structure scopa present on the ventral side of the abdomen rather than hind legs (mostly in other bees). Genus Megachilid is generally known as leaf cutter and mason bees. Family Megachilidae is characterized by different groups of the bees such as solitary, mason, resin, carder, and leafcutter bees, and are the most important pollinators for agricultural, horticultural, medicinal, and aromatic plants. Female leafcutter bees have a special character to form brood cells by using their mandibles to cut leaves. Family Megachilidae is found throughout the world except for Antarctica, lowland tropical rain forests, deserts, and hilly ecosystems, and 238 species are listed from the Indian region. Our review is based on the significant role of the family Megachilidae and their different adaptive structures and behaviour to enhance their contribution to the pollination ecology.