Calliopsis

Smith, 1853

mining bees, panurgine bees

Species Guides

Calliopsis andreniformis(Eastern Miner Bee)
Calliopsis anomoptera(Strange-winged Calliopsis)
Calliopsis barbata
Calliopsis callops
Calliopsis coloradensis(Colorado Calliopsis Bee)
Calliopsis filiorum
Calliopsis fracta
Calliopsis helianthi
Calliopsis hesperia

Calliopsis is a of solitary mining bees in the Andrenidae, comprising over 80 described distributed throughout the western hemisphere. These small to medium-sized bees are ground-nesting, with females excavating burrows in sandy or loose soils. The genus includes both polylectic and oligolectic species, with some showing tight specialization to particular pollen such as Prosopis. Several species have been studied in detail for their nesting , foraging , and host- relationships with cleptoparasitic bees.

Calliopsis callops by (c) Elliott Gordon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Elliott Gordon. Used under a CC-BY license.

Calliopsis anomoptera by (c) sophia_herrmeyer, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by sophia_herrmeyer. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Calliopsis: /kæˈli.ɒp.sɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Most Calliopsis are small, though males of C. zebrata are notably larger than typical for the . Identification to species level requires examination of morphological characters including facial markings, genitalia, and scopal hairs. The genus can be distinguished from other Andrenidae by panurgine characteristics including the presence of a submarginal in the forewing and specific features of the male genitalia.

Images

Habitat

Sandy or loose soils suitable for ground-nesting; observed in shortgrass prairie, montane meadows, and xeric woodlands. Specific associations include Colorado plains with sandy substrate for C. zebrata, and Chaco forest and Monte scrub in South America for C. laeta.

Distribution

Western hemisphere, including North America (Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, Front Range), Central America, and South America (Argentina, Brazil). Specific records include Colorado Springs and Woodland Park in Colorado, and Anchieta Island in Brazil (though the latter refers to a hermit crab , not the ).

Seasonality

Active primarily in summer months; in Colorado, C. zebrata males observed flying over nesting sites in July. C. pugionis and related studied during active nesting periods. C. laeta active during Prosopis flowering periods in xeric South American woodlands.

Diet

Females collect pollen and nectar for provisioning . C. laeta shows strong association with Prosopis pollen; pollen analysis of nest provisions found only Prosopis in all despite high floral diversity nearby. Most presumed polylectic or oligolectic, though degree of specialization requires further study.

Host Associations

Prosopis - pollen C. laeta shows tight association; six Prosopis and hybrids recorded as , with two distinct pollen types identified in nest
Dalea candida - floral visitationfemale Calliopsis sp. observed foraging on White Prairie Clover in Colorado

Life Cycle

Solitary ground-nesting bees; females excavate burrows and construct provisioned with pollen and nectar. Larvae described for C. zebrata. Development includes , larval, and pupal stages within nest cells.

Behavior

Males of some fly relentlessly over nesting sites, landing briefly; male C. zebrata observed in near female nesting areas. Females forage for pollen and nectar, with provisioning studied in C. persimilis. Nesting documented for C. pugionis including construction and investment sex ratios.

Ecological Role

; contribute to pollination of native plants including Prosopis and Dalea. As for cleptoparasitic bees including Holcopasites ruthae, they support higher in .

Similar Taxa

Colletesboth are ground-nesting bees with cellophane-like nest linings; Colletes females coat with glandular secretions, while Calliopsis lacks this trait
Lasioglossumboth small ground-nesting bees in similar ; Lasioglossum includes social while Calliopsis is strictly solitary
Holcopasitescleptoparasitic that attacks Calliopsis nests; females enter burrows and lay , with larvae consuming host provisions