Melissodes dentiventris

Smith, 1854

long-horned bee

Melissodes dentiventris is a of long-horned in the , to North America. Like other members of the Melissodes, males possess elongated that give the group its . The species is a solitary ground-nesting bee and contributes to of native flora. Specific ecological details for M. dentiventris remain limited in published literature, with most behavioral observations documented for such as M. agilis.

Melissodes dentiventris, M, face, Maryland, Anne Arundel County 2013-04-09-14.18.16 ZS PMax (8643015937) by Sam Droege from Beltsville, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Melissodes dentiventris, F, back, Maryland, Anne Arundel County 2013-04-11-14.04.35 ZS PMax (9038834798) by Sam Droege from Beltsville, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Melissodes dentiventris, M, back, Maryland, Anne Arundel County 2013-04-09-14.06.20 ZS PMax (8643016367) by Sam Droege from Beltsville, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Melissodes dentiventris: /mɛˈlɪs.oʊˌdiːz ˌdɛn.tɪˈvɛn.trɪs/

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

Identification

Definitive identification of M. dentiventris requires examination of subtle morphological characters, particularly genitalic structures and specific -like projections on the (implied by the specific epithet 'dentiventris,' meaning 'toothed belly'). Field identification to level is difficult and typically requires knowledge or microscopic examination. The species may be confused with other Melissodes species, especially M. agilis and M. robustior, which are more frequently photographed and discussed in popular literature.

Images

Habitat

Associated with open supporting flowering plants, including meadows, grasslands, and gardens. Specific habitat preferences for M. dentiventris are not well documented, though frequent areas with abundant Asteraceae and other composite flowers.

Distribution

North America. Precise range boundaries within North America are not well defined in available sources.

Life Cycle

As a solitary , females nest in the ground, excavating individual burrows. Development proceeds through , larval, and pupal stages within the nest . Detailed timing for M. dentiventris specifically is not documented in available sources.

Ecological Role

of flowering plants. As with other solitary , contributes to functioning through pollen transfer, though specific associations for M. dentiventris are not recorded in available literature.

Human Relevance

Contributes to in natural and agricultural landscapes. Not known to be aggressive; males cannot . No specific documented interactions with humans beyond general services.

Similar Taxa

Melissodes agilisFrequently photographed and discussed in popular literature; males similarly exhibit long and sleeping on flowers. M. agilis is distinguished by behavioral traits (highly territorial males) and subtle morphological differences.
Melissodes robustiorSimilar size and appearance; has been confused with M. dentiventris in field observations. Requires microscopic examination for definitive separation.
Svastra obliquaClosely related long-horned in tribe Eucerini; males also sleep on flowers and have elongated . Distinguished by subtle morphological characters of the and male .

More Details

Taxonomic note

The specific epithet 'dentiventris' (Latin: 'dens' = , '' = belly) refers to diagnostic abdominal characteristics visible upon close examination, though these are not described in detail in general sources.

Data limitations

Most detailed behavioral and ecological information available online pertains to M. agilis and M. robustior. Caution should be exercised in attributing these observations to M. dentiventris without verified records.