List of hymenopterans of Sri Lanka

Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera

Hymenoptera is a large order containing an estimated 1,500,000 species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawfly. Females of hymenopterans possess a special ovipositor, which is used for inserting eggs into hosts or other surfaces safely. In some groups, this ovipositor is modified into a stinger, which is used primarily for defense purposes. Hymenopterans show a complete metamorphosis, where they have a worm-like larval stage and an inactive pupal stage before they mature. All hymenopterans are typically divided into two suborders. Those who have a narrow waist are categorized into suborder Apocrita, whereas those who absent a waist into suborder Symphyta. Wasps, bees, and ants are belong to Apocrita. Sawflies, horntails, and parasitic wood wasps are belong to Symphyta.

Bees are the primary pollinators of terrestrial flowering plants. The hairs within its body helps to function as efficient pollinators. The highest bee diversity is confined to warm temperate regions of the world. Bee attacks are sometimes found from some areas, but it is not fatal as that of a wasp.[1] There are about 70,000 bee species described in the world with nearly 450 genera and 7 families. Out of them, Sri Lanka comprises 149 species included to 38 genera and 4 families. The bee researches are extensively carried out by Dr. Inoka Karunaratne et al. from University of Sri Lanka.[2][3]

Ants are social insects that can be found in terrestrial ecosystems. They are also very common in human settlements, as well as in forest floor. Well over 6000 species of ants were found and described, and new species are about to discover. Sri Lanka is home to 229 species of ants that included to 66 genera and 12 subfamilies. There are 102 endemic species in Sri Lanka, with 48.6% of endemism. One endemic genus Aneuretus is also included to the list. The following list is according to the Ants of Sri Lanka by Prof. R.K. Sriyani Dias 2014 comprehensive edition by Biodiversity Secretariat on Ministry of Environmental and Renewable Energy of Sri Lanka.[4]

Wasps are morphologically resemble bees, but are different group of hymenopterans. They are eusocial insects, with a prominent stinger. Few wasps are solitary in behavior and they are mostly parasitoids. They are important agriculturally, hence used a biological predator to eradicate pests and other agriculturally harmful insects. Wasp attacks are more frequent in Sri Lanka, where they are known to attack humans when provoked. They are numerous around many archeological sites and attacks sometimes can be fatal to death.[5] In 1897, Bingham compiles the hymenopteran diversity within the island through the volume The Fauna of British India including Ceylon and Burma, Hymenoptera Vol. 1, Wasps and Bees. In 2001, K.V. Krombein and B.B Norden published notes on trap nesting Sri Lankan wasps and bees.[6]