Centris errans
Fox, 1899
Wandering Centris, Florida locust-berry oil-collecting bee, spiny bear's-breech
Centris errans is a of - in the tribe Centridini, . It is to Florida, where it is one of five Apidae species restricted to the state. The species occurs in the southernmost portion of Florida and has also been recorded in the broader Caribbean and North America regions. Like other Centris bees, it is known to collect floral oils rather than nectar from certain plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Centris errans: /ˈsɛn.trɪs ˈɛr.ænz/
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Habitat
Occurs in the southernmost portion of Florida. Specific preferences are not well documented, but related Centris are associated with dry, sandy, or scrubland environments where -producing plants grow.
Distribution
to Florida in the United States, specifically the southernmost portion of the state. Also recorded in the Caribbean and North America more broadly.
Diet
Collects floral from oil-producing plants, including Krameria . These oils are mixed with pollen to provision . Does not collect nectar.
Host Associations
- Krameria lanceolata - Female collect fatty from the elaiophores of Krameria flowers, pollinating the in the . Krameria are wholly dependent upon Centris bees for .
Behavior
Female collect floral using specialized structures on their legs. The oils are transported back to the nest and mixed with pollen as larval food. This oil- is characteristic of the Centris.
Ecological Role
Important of Krameria , which are obligate outcrossers dependent on Centris for . The relationship is not mutually exclusive—C. errans utilizes other -producing plants, and other Centris species also visit Krameria.
Similar Taxa
- Centris lanosaAnother - Centris found in similar ; distinguished by specific morphological features and geographic distribution not overlapping with the Florida- C. errans.
- Other Centris speciesShare the - and general body plan, but C. errans is distinguished by its restricted Florida distribution and specific morphological characteristics.
More Details
Endemic status
One of only five from the that are to Florida, highlighting its significance for the state's unique fauna.
Oil-collecting specialization
The 'Florida -berry - ' refers to the ' specialized of collecting floral oils rather than nectar, a trait shared with other Centridini bees.