Perditina
Fairy Bees, Goblin Bees, False Goblin Bees
Perditina is a subtribe of small within the , commonly known as Fairy Bees, Goblin Bees, and False Goblin Bees. These bees are among the smallest bees in North America, with many measuring only a few millimeters in length. The subtribe includes the *Perdita*, which is extraordinarily diverse with over 800 described species, many of which are specialized pollen on specific plants. Perditina bees are primarily solitary ground-nesters and are important , particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Their minute size and often striking metallic coloration distinguish them from other bee groups.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Perditina: /pɛrˈdɪtɪnə/
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Taxonomic Note
The subtribe Perditina was established to accommodate the extraordinary diversity of the *Perdita* and related within the tribe Panurgini. The genus *Perdita* itself contains more than any other genus in North America, with many species remaining undescribed. The 'Fairy Bees' and 'Goblin Bees' reflect both their diminutive size and, in some species, unusual or 'grotesque' facial modifications in males.
Observation Data
Perditina is among the more frequently observed subtribes of small on iNaturalist, with over 8,600 observations recorded. This likely reflects both their actual abundance in suitable and the growing interest in documenting bee diversity, though identification to level often requires examination.