Longhorn Bees
Eucerini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Family: Apidae
- Subfamily: Apinae
- Tribe: Eucerini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eucerini: /juːˈsɛrɪnaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The Eucerini, or longhorn bees, represent the most diverse tribe within the family Apidae, with notable features such as long male antennae and unique nesting behaviors. They are solitary and typically nest in burrows in the ground, primarily serving as important pollinators.
Physical Characteristics
Hairy bees typically with pale hair bands on the metasoma. Males typically have very long antennae. Eucerini have long paraglossae that reach the base of the labial palpus and parocular carina. Their clypeus is protruding with no stiff hairs beside the margin of the inner eye; the top of the head is flattish or slightly concave, and the eyes appear bulging.
Identification Tips
Distinguishing characteristics include long paraglossae and the absence of stiff hairs beside the margin of the inner eye. Males can be identified by their unusually long antennae.
Habitat
Nests are vertical burrows in flat ground, typically in sandy or loose soil.
Distribution
Holarctic and Neotropical regions, with around 40 Afrotropical species and a few in Southeast Asia.
Diet
Nectar and pollen from various flowering plants.
Life Cycle
All species are solitary; many nest in large aggregations. They may form sleeping aggregations of males.
Reproduction
Nesting behavior involves individual females constructing nests in the ground and provisioning them with nectar and pollen for their offspring.
Ecosystem Role
Pollinators of flowering plants, contributing to ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Collecting Methods
- Suction sampling
- Netting
- Ground excavation
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol storage
- Pinning
- Slide mounting
Evolution
The classification within the tribe is complex, with ongoing taxonomic revisions. Many genera have been combined or reassigned due to poor characterization.
Similar Taxa
- Anthophoridae
- Exomalopsini
Misconceptions
Due to their physical characteristics, they may be confused with other similar-looking bee tribes, despite distinct differences in anatomy and behavior.
Tags
- Eucerini
- Longhorn Bees
- Bees
- Apidae
- Insects