Eucera cordleyi

(Viereck, 1905)

Cordley's Long-horned Bee

Eucera cordleyi is a of long-horned bee in the Apidae, first described by Viereck in 1905. Like other members of the Eucera, males are characterized by exceptionally long . The species occurs in North America and is part of the Eucerini tribe, which includes important of agricultural crops such as cucurbits. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eucera cordleyi: /juːˈsɪrə kɔːrdˈleɪ.aɪ/

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Identification

Males of Eucera cordleyi can be distinguished from other Eucera by their extremely long , which extend well beyond the body length. Females lack the elongated antennae and are more robust in build. Definitive identification to species level within Eucera typically requires examination of genitalic structures and other microscopic features. The species may be confused with other long-horned bees in the Eucera, particularly Eucera pruinosa and related , which differ in subtle morphological characters of the male genitalia and antennal proportions.

Distribution

North America. Specific range details beyond this continental designation are not well documented in available sources.

Ecological Role

As a member of the Eucerini tribe, Eucera cordleyi likely functions as a , though specific plant associations have not been documented. Related Eucera are known to be efficient pollinators of cucurbit crops including pumpkins, squash, and cucumbers.

Similar Taxa

Eucera pruinosaFormerly placed in Peponapis; similar male long- and general body form, but differs in specific antennal segment proportions and male genitalic structure
Eucera longicornisEuropean with similar and male antennal elongation; distinguished by geographic distribution and subtle differences in antennal formula
Peponapis speciesHistorical confusion in assignment; Eucera cordleyi was formerly sometimes associated with this group, but differs in wing venation and male genitalia

More Details

Taxonomic Note

Eucera cordleyi was described by Henry Lorenz Viereck in 1905. The Eucera has undergone taxonomic revision, with some former members (including important crop ) transferred to related genera such as Peponapis and Xenoglossa, though E. cordleyi has remained in Eucera.

Data Deficiency

This is represented by minimal observation records (iNaturalist reports only 1 observation as of source date). The lack of detailed ecological, phenological, and morphological data in available sources reflects either genuine rarity or undercollection rather than absence from .