Eucera bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Eucerini) preserved in their brood cells from late Holocene (middle Neoglacial) palaeosols of southwest Portugal

• DOI: 10.1002/spp2.1518
• Publication Date: 2023-07-28T03:42:52Z
• Authors: Carlos Neto de Ca...; Andrea Baucon; Davide Badano; Pedro Proença Cunha; Cristiana Ferreira; Silvério Figueiredo; Fernando Muñiz; João Belo; Federico Bernardini; Mário Cachão
• Keywords: Siliciclastic; Holocene climatic optimum

Abstract The c . 100 myr extensive fossil record of bee brood nests and cells (calichnia) in siliciclastic sedimentary deposits, or palaeosols, is virtually devoid the presence their producers. absence a more specific assignment to producer different ichnogenera ichnofamily Celliformidae precludes use phylogenetic palaeobiogeographic studies. Omission surfaces developed incipient carbonate palaeosols during late Holocene (middle Neoglacial), 2975 yr cal BP, on southwest coast mainland Portugal show insect calichnia dense ichnofabrics dominated by shallow discrete ( Palmiraichnus castellanosi ) at terminus vertical shafts. At Carreira Brava, one studied sites, bees ready abandon were found an exceptional state preservation inside sealed chambers. chambers also preserve inner cell hydrophobic polymerized membrane remains monospecific Brassicaceae‐type pollen provision. Although cause mass mortality mystery, oxygen depletion due sudden flooding nesting substrate consequent overnight temperature drop, just before emergence, are plausible causes. anaerobic conditions later rapid diagenetic lithification likely causes organic membrane. favourable climate for development successive, from omission suite may be result slightly colder higher‐precipitation winters Neoglacial interval.