Protandrena mexicanorum
(Cockerell, 1896)
Protandrena mexicanorum is a in the Andrenidae, notable as the first documented member of its to employ buzz pollination (sonication). Females have been observed harvesting pollen from poricidal anthers of Solanum elaeagnifolium by vibrating the flower, and use a distinctive to transfer pollen from facial hairs to hind leg scopae. The species occurs in arid regions of southern Arizona and has a broader distribution across Central and North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Protandrena mexicanorum: /proʊˈtændrənə mɛksɪˈkænɔrəm/
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Identification
May be distinguished from other Protandrena by its documented association with Solanum elaeagnifolium and the specialized pollen-harvesting involving buzz pollination; specific morphological diagnostic features are not described in available sources.
Images
Habitat
Arid or desert environments; documented in southern Arizona.
Distribution
Central America and North America; confirmed present in southern Arizona.
Diet
Pollen collected from Solanum elaeagnifolium (Solanaceae).
Host Associations
- Solanum elaeagnifolium - Pollen sourcePoricidal anthers require buzz pollination for pollen extraction.
Behavior
Females perform buzz pollination (sonication), vibrating poricidal anthers to release pollen. After collection, they groom pollen from facial hairs using their forelegs and transfer it to the scopae on their hind legs.
Ecological Role
of Solanum elaeagnifolium.
Similar Taxa
- Other Protandrena speciesP. mexicanorum is the only member of the documented to use buzz pollination, though morphological distinctions from are not established in available literature.
More Details
Novel behavioral record
This represents the first confirmed instance of buzz pollination within the Protandrena, expanding the known behavioral repertoire of the Andrenidae .