Centris rhodopus

Cockerell, 1897

red-legged centris, Red-legged Oil-Digger

Centris rhodopus is a of oil-collecting in the tribe Centridini, Apidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other Centris species, it has been observed collecting floral oils from specialized oil-producing flowers, particularly in the Krameria. The species is part of a group of bees adapted to harvesting non-nectar floral rewards.

Centris rhodopus var. pulchrior by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Centris rhodopus: //ˈsɛn.trɪs roʊˈdoʊ.pəs//

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

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Distribution

Central America and North America; Caribbean region present. Specific records include the southwestern United States (Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona) and adjacent regions of Mexico.

Diet

Collects fatty oils from flowers, particularly from elaiophores of Krameria . These oils are mixed with pollen to provision larvae. Also utilizes other oil-producing plants.

Host Associations

Krameria lanceolata - collects oils from elaiophores; primary pollination mutualism

Behavior

Female bees have been observed visiting Krameria flowers with a distinctive buzzing sound while moving between flowers at ground level. Oil collection involves gathering fatty oils from modified petal surfaces (elaiophores) rather than nectar.

Ecological Role

Primary for Krameria , which are obligate outcrossers dependent on Centris bees for . The relationship is not mutually exclusive—Centris bees utilize multiple oil-producing plant species.

Similar Taxa

Centris lanosasimilar oil-collecting and ; distinguished by morphological features and geographic distribution

More Details

Oil collection specialization

Centris rhodopus possesses specialized morphological adaptations for oil collection, including dense scopal hairs on the hind legs modified for absorbing and transporting floral oils rather than pollen alone.

Krameria dependency

While Krameria are wholly dependent on Centris bees for pollination, the bees maintain broader floral associations and are not restricted to this plant .