Centris

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Centris: /ˈkɛn.trɪs/

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

Images

Summary

The genus Centris comprises around 250 species of large apid bees primarily found in the Neotropical region, known for their specialization in collecting floral oils instead of (or in addition to) pollen, and notable for their rapid flight and adaptability to high temperatures.

Physical Characteristics

Large bees (up to 3 cm) with a robust body structure; males have a yellow clypeus, while females have either a black clypeus or one with yellow maculations. The scopa is very large and dense, resembling saddle bags.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from the closely related genus Epicharis by the absence of long, whip-like setae that project backwards from just behind the eyes.

Habitat

Commonly encountered in American deserts, typically found visiting flowering plants.

Distribution

Neotropical and Nearctic realms, from Kansas to Argentina.

Diet

Primarily specialized collectors of floral oils, with some collecting pollen or nectar.

Life Cycle

Life cycle details are not explicitly provided; however, they are known to be active at high ambient temperatures and visit specific flowering plants for resource gathering.

Reproduction

The mating system of C. pallida has been well-studied, but further reproductive details are not provided.

Ecosystem Role

Important pollinators of various plants, including economically significant crops such as Brazil Nut and Cashew.

Economic Impact

Pollinators of economically important crops like Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil Nut) and Anacardium occidentale (Cashew), particularly C. tarsata.

Evolution

Recent studies indicate they are sister to the corbiculate bees, a significant group within the Apidae family.

Similar Taxa

• Epicharis
• Apidae

Tags

• Centris
• bees
• pollinators
• Neotropical
• agriculture