Ceratina mikmaqi

Rehan, 2011

small carpenter bee

Ceratina mikmaqi is a small carpenter bee native to eastern North America, described in 2011. It belongs to a of solitary bees that nest in the pith of dead twigs. In southern Ontario, it has been documented as locally common, where it constructs linear nests primarily in Fuller's teasel (Dipsacus fullonum). The is genetically distinct from its C. dupla, with which it was previously confused, separated by five fixed differences and approximately 1.86% sequence divergence in barcode analysis.

Ceratina mikmaqi female by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Ceratina mikmaqi male 1 by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Ceratina mikmaqi male by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ceratina mikmaqi: /sɛrəˈtiːnə mɪkˈmɑːki/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Reliable identification from the closely related C. dupla requires barcode analysis or careful morphological study. The two show five fixed differences and average 1.86% COI sequence divergence. In the field, specimens cannot be reliably distinguished by casual observation.

Images

Habitat

Found in prairie and open where suitable nesting substrates occur. In the Niagara Region of southern Ontario, it nests in the pith of dead twigs, primarily those of Fuller's teasel (Dipsacus fullonum).

Distribution

Eastern North America. Documented in the Niagara Region of southern Ontario, Canada, and present in Michigan, USA (based on county records from Allegan, Antrim, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Clare, Clinton, Delta, Dickinson, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Lake, Lapeer, Leelanau, Lenawee, Marquette, Mecosta, Montcalm, Montmorency, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa, Roscommon, Saginaw, Shiawassee, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne, and Wexford counties). Also recorded from Vermont, USA.

Seasonality

In southern Ontario, active later in the season than C. dupla; nests established after C. dupla nesting period begins.

Host Associations

Dipsacus fullonum - nesting substratePrimary nesting substrate in Niagara Region study; dead twigs used for linear nest construction in pith.

Life Cycle

or potentially partially ; produces in single or possibly multiple per season. Constructs linear nests in pith of dead twigs with multiple brood arranged in series.

Behavior

Solitary nesting with linear nest architecture in dead twig pith. Does not exhibit social behavior.

Ecological Role

; visits flowers for nectar and pollen. Part of native in prairie and open where it may coexist with through temporal and microhabitat partitioning.

Human Relevance

Contributes to wild diversity and pollination services in natural and restored . Not a managed .

Similar Taxa

Ceratina duplaClosely related with which C. mikmaqi was historically confused; requires genetic or detailed morphological analysis for reliable separation. C. dupla nests earlier in the season and sometimes produces a second , whereas C. mikmaqi nests later and is more common in the Niagara Region study area.
Ceratina calcarataCo-occurring in southern Ontario that prefers different nesting substrate (typically raspberry, Rubus spp.); C. mikmaqi primarily uses Dipsacus fullonum.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by Rehan in 2011, representing a cryptic previously unrecognized within what was considered C. dupla. The species epithet 'mikmaqi' honors the Mi'kmaq people to eastern Canada.

Nesting biology

Nests are constructed in the soft pith of dead twigs, with females excavating linear tunnels containing multiple . Each cell is provisioned with pollen and nectar and sealed with pith or other plant material.