Melissodes tepidus

Cresson, 1879

Long-horned bee

Melissodes tepidus is a of long-horned bee in the Apidae, native to North and Central America. Like other members of the Melissodes, males exhibit distinctive sleeping on vegetation at night while females nest solitarily in the ground. The species contributes to pollination of various flowering plants. It is one of more than 1600 native species recorded in California alone.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Melissodes tepidus: //məˈlɪsoʊdiːz ˈtɛpɪdəs//

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Distribution

North America and Middle America (Central America). GBIF records indicate presence in both regions.

Ecological Role

of flowering plants. As a member of the Eucerini tribe, contributes to native diversity and function in its range.

Similar Taxa

  • Melissodes agilisBoth are long-horned bees with similar male sleeping and territorial defense of floral resources. M. agilis is frequently documented in California gardens and may co-occur with M. tepidus.
  • Melissodes robustiorAnother long-horned bee with comparable and male roosting ; identification to species level often requires expert examination.
  • Svastra obliquaClosely related eucerine with similar ; males also sleep on flowers and females nest in ground. Robbin Thorp noted that Svastra obliqua may be confused with Melissodes in sleeping .

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