Stenotritidae

Common Name

Stenotritid bees

Overview

The family Stenotritidae is a small group of bees endemic to Australia. Known for its specialized behaviors and ecological roles, this family stands out due to its distinct characteristics and limited distribution.

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Apoidea
Family: Stenotritidae

Key Characteristics

Robust, hairy bodies
Usually black or brown in color
Short and broad heads
Large mandibles used for digging
Females possess unique elongate and curved scopa for pollen collection

Life Cycle

Egg : Laid in nests constructed in the ground
Larvae : Feed on stored pollen and nectar
Pupae : Undergo transformation within the nest cell
Adults : Emerge to forage and reproduce

Behavior and Ecology

Ground-nesters: Females excavate burrows in sandy or clay soils
Solitary: Each female constructs and provisions its own nest
Seasonal activity: Active during specific times of the year, often correlated with flowering periods

Notable Species

Ctenocolletes smaragdinus : Known for its striking emerald-green coloration
Stenotritus elegans : Characterized by a more slender body and distinct black coloration

Conservation

Threats include habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change
Some species have restricted distributions, making them more susceptible to environmental changes

Significance to Humans

Pollinators: Play a crucial role in the pollination of native Australian flora
Indicators of ecosystem health due to their sensitivity to environmental changes

Fun Facts

Stenotritidae is one of the smallest bee families in terms of species count.
They have very large and powerful mandibles, which they use to dig nests.
Their nests can be quite deep, going down over a meter underground.
Unlike social bees, each female stenotritid bee is solely responsible for her own nest.
They are among the least studied groups of bees, contributing to their mysterious allure in the entomological community.