Nine solitary bee species discovered in Kerala for the first time

In a exceptional addition to Kerala’s biodiversity data, researchers from the Shadpada Entomology Research Lab at Christ College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, have recognized 9 species of solitary bees from the subfamily Nomiinae (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) – all documented for the first time in Kerala.

Unlike the social honeybees that stay in bustling colonies and produce honey, solitary bees stay independently, with every feminine constructing and provisioning her personal nest. While they could not yield honey, their ecological contribution is immense.

“Solitary bees are vital pollinators. They play an equally important role as honeybees in sustaining ecosystems and boosting agricultural productivity,” defined Dr. Bijoy C., Assistant Professor and Head of the Lab.

The newly recorded species embody Austronomia capitata, Austronomia goniognatha, Austronomia ustula, Gnathonomia argenteobalteata, Hoplonomia incerta, Lipotriches torrida, Lipotriches exagens, Lipotriches minutula, and Lipotriches pulchriventris. Among them, Lipotriches torrida has been discovered for the first time outdoors its sort locality, and Gnathonomia argenteobalteata marks a uncommon rediscovery — over a century after its final recorded sighting in India. “These findings put Kerala on the global map for Nomiinae diversity,” stated Dr. Bijoy.

Published in the Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics (Vol. 11, Issue 3, 2025), the research reveals that Kerala now harbours 42 species of Nomiinae — representing 50.6% of India’s and 87.7% of South India’s identified fauna in this subfamily. These bees, which nest in the floor, additionally assist enhance soil aeration, moisture retention, and fertility via their nesting actions.

The analysis workforce included doctoral college students Athul Sankar C., Vishnu A. V., and Anju Sara Prakash, from Christ College alongside Dr. Bijoy and Dr. Shaji E. M., Professor and Head of the Zoology Department, Okay. Okay. T. M. Govt. College, Pullut. The challenge was funded by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (KSCSTE) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) underneath the Government of India.