Centris nitida

Smith, 1874

Shining Oil-digger Bee

Centris nitida is a centridine in the Apidae, commonly known as the Shining Oil-digger Bee. The is native to Central America and has been introduced to Florida in the United States. It belongs to a specialized in collecting floral oils rather than nectar, using these oils to provision nests and feed larvae. Two are recognized: Centris nitida nitida and Centris nitida geminata.

Centris nitida by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jade Fortnash. Used under a CC0 license.Centris nitida by (c) Niki Robertson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Niki Robertson. Used under a CC-BY license.Centris nitida by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jade Fortnash. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Centris nitida: //ˈsɛn.trɪs ˈnɪ.tɪ.də//

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Distribution

Native to Central America; introduced to Florida, United States. GBIF records indicate presence in Middle America, North America, and South America (including Brazil, São Paulo state).

Diet

females collect floral oils from oil-producing plants, including Krameria . These oils are mixed with pollen to feed larvae. The species has been observed visiting Krameria lanceolata flowers in Oklahoma and Texas.

Host Associations

  • Krameria lanceolata - Female bees collect floral oils from elaiophores on the flowers; pollination occurs during oil collection

Behavior

Female bees have been observed foraging at ground level with a distinctive buzzing sound. Males are not described in available sources.

Ecological Role

of oil-producing plants in the Krameria. The relationship is not mutually exclusive—Centris bees visit multiple oil-producing plant , and Krameria species rely on Centris bees for pollination.

Similar Taxa

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Subspecies

Two are recognized: Centris nitida nitida (nominate subspecies) and Centris nitida geminata Cockerell

Oil collection behavior

Unlike most bees that collect nectar and pollen, Centris nitida females scrape fatty oils from specialized structures (elaiophores) on flowers. These oils are used to line nest and provision food for larvae

Taxonomic history

First described by Frederick Smith in 1874. The epithet 'nitida' refers to the shining or polished appearance typical of many Centris species

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Sources and further reading