Observations of male Halictus poeyi Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) in their nighttime roosting clusters on floral plants in Jamaica, Antilles

Detailed observations are presented on the behavior of a group of male Halictus poeyi Lepeletier bees (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) in their selected roosting sites on Bidens pilosa L. and Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC plants. Over approximately 50 days, climatic conditions, habitat structure, and associated species were recorded. These observations suggest that clusters exhibit area fidelity within a radius of approximately 1.5m, rather than fidelity to specific plant individuals or species. Roost site selection appears to be influenced by microhabitat structure, sunlight exposure, weather conditions, and plant structural characteristics. In our observations, no emerging or nesting females were found near the nocturnal roosting sites.