Abstract

BENDIFALLAH, Leila; LOUADI, Kamel  and  DOUMANDJI, Salah Eddine. Apoidea and their Diversity in the North of Algeria. Silva Lus. [online]. 2010, vol.18, n.1, pp.85-102. ISSN 0870-6352.

Bees are the sentinels of the environment. They contribute to plant biodiversity and food security. This study concerns the wildlife and biodiversity of wild bees in a natural ecosystem. Investigations are conducted at four locations: the Central Mitidja represented by El Harrach, Boumerdes, Blida and Bouira during the periods from 2004 to 2008. A total of 4300 specimens was taken into account, with 120 species of wild bees present in the study areas. The fauna of wild bees recorded is divided between 4 families and 20 genera. A significant diversity is noted for the Halictidae family. Four species and three subspecies are new records for the study areas. The maximum number of taxa is observed in April coinciding with the flowering of most plants. The density and diversity of bees are different from one station to another depending on climatic factors and food availability. The station of El Harrach (Mitidja) is an experimental field for legume crops, while the station of Blida is intended for planting of oat, the Boumerdes station is for grazing and the station of Bouira, located on a mountain, is not intended for planting but is surrounded by an olive grove.

Keywords : Wild bees; diversity; natural ecosystem; North of Algeria.

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