Perdita minima

Cockerell, 1923

Euphorb Mini-Fairy Bee

Perdita minima is the smallest known , measuring under 2 mm in length and weighing approximately 0.33 mg. This solitary mining bee belongs to the Andrenidae and is native to the southwestern United States, where it inhabits desert environments. It constructs small nests in sandy soils and has been observed feeding on and pollinating spurges (Euphorbia species).

Perdita minima (cropped) by KRHick. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Perdita minima by KRHick. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Perdita minima: //pɛrˈdiː.tə ˈmɪ.nɪ.mə//

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Identification

Distinguished from all other bees by its extremely small size (under 2 mm). Smaller than other Perdita and all other known bees. May be confused with other minute Hymenoptera such as Mymaridae (fairyflies), but can be identified as a by morphological features of the Andrenidae.

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Habitat

Desert areas with sandy soils suitable for nest excavation.

Distribution

Southwestern United States (North America). Records indicate presence in Middle America and North America.

Diet

Feeds on and pollinates spurges (Euphorbia ).

Life Cycle

Solitary. Nests in small burrows excavated in sandy soils.

Behavior

Solitary nesting . Constructs nests in sandy soils.

Ecological Role

of Euphorbia in desert .

Human Relevance

Contributes to native diversity awareness; cited as example of extreme miniaturization in bees and the diversity of native often overlooked in favor of honey bees.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Perdita speciesLarger size; P. minima is notably smaller than
  • Mymaridae (fairyflies)Similar extremely small size, but different with distinct wing venation and body structure

More Details

Conservation note

Like many native bees, threatened by loss, use, and climate change.

Research significance

Represents an extreme of body size reduction in bees, making it of interest for studies on miniaturization and its physiological and ecological consequences.

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Sources and further reading