Protoxaea

Arid or semi-arid environments with summer rainfall patterns; associated with flowering plants used for nectar and pollen collection.

Documented from the vicinity of Douglas, Arizona; broader distribution unclear.

Principal emergence in late July following first soaking summer rains; territorial behavior observed from mid-July through emergence period.

Females collect pollen primarily from Solanum and nectar from Asclepias, Verbesina, and Larrea; males consume nectar after territorial periods.

• Solanum - pollen sourceprimary pollen source for females
• Asclepias - nectar sourceprimary nectar source for females
• Verbesina - nectar sourceprimary nectar source for females
• Larrea - nectar sourceprimary nectar source for females

Principal emergence of both sexes occurs simultaneously in late July following first soaking summer rains; males establish territories shortly after emergence.

Males establish and defend territories on flowering plants during morning hours (approximately 7-11 a.m.), excluding all insect intruders except conspecific females. Territorial defense increases probability of mating with newly emerged virgin females. Mated females are permitted to visit guarded plants without interference. After territorial periods, males seek nectar and later form gregarious 'sleeping balls' in afternoon, exhibiting tolerance absent during territorial hours.

Pollen and nectar collection from multiple plant species; male territorial behavior reduces competition for floral resources among pollinators.

• mining bees
• territoriality
• desert bees
• solitary bees
• male territorial behavior
• Oxaeinae

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Territorial Behavior among Males of Protoxaea gloriosa (Fox) (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae)