Development dataset

Single source white clover (Fabaceae: <i>Trifolium repens</i>) pollen pellets collected by <i>Apis mellifera</i> purchased from Ames Farm (Watertown, Minnesota, USA; www.amesfarm.com) and single source rose (Rosaceae: <i>Rosa </i>spp<i>.</i>) pollen collected by <i>Apis mellifera</i> purchased from the China Health Club (Chongqing, China; www.teaherbalshop.com) were used to create artificial diets to raise <i>C. calcarata</i> eggs. Pollen identity and purity were based on vendor claims. Pollen from clover and rose was ground into a powder using a mortar and pestle. Five artificial pollen diets were created by combining the clover and rose pollen as follows: 1) 100 % clover to 0% rose, 2) 75% clover to 25% rose, 3) 50% clover to 50% rose, 4) 25% clover to 75% rose, and 5) 100% rose to 0% clover. To each artificial diet, 15 mL of sugar water was added (1:1 sugar to water) to form a cohesive patty. All artificial pollen diets were stored at 4˚C. Smaller pollen balls were then formed from the larger pollen patties. Controls were removed and then returned to natural pollen ball. Pollen balls for each diet and controls were weighed using a Mettler analytical balance (accuracy 0.01 mg) and eggs or first stage larvae were placed randomly on one of the five artificial pollen balls or controls. Brood were checked every two days and the stage of development was recorded. Development was initially tracked by comparing the larval length to the size of the remaining pollen. Following larval development, pupal development was determined using body and eye pigmentation.