Melissoptila
Holmberg, 1884
Melissoptila is a of in the , tribe Eucerini. These are long-horned bees characterized by elongated male . The genus occurs in the Americas, with documented records from the Caribbean and South America. in this genus are solitary and ground-nesting.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melissoptila: /mɛ.lɪˈsɒp.tɪ.la/
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Identification
Males can be distinguished from other Eucerini by their exceptionally long , often exceeding body length. The can be separated from the related Eucerini genera Eucerin and Florilegus by subtle differences in male and antennal proportions. Females lack the extreme antennal elongation seen in males.
Images
Distribution
Recorded from Providencia (Colombian Caribbean) and South America. The has a Neotropical distribution.
Similar Taxa
- EucerinBoth are Eucerini with long-horned males; Melissoptila males have proportionally longer and differ in structure.
- FlorilegusSimilar body form and male antennal elongation; distinguished by antennal proportions and male genital .
More Details
Taxonomic note
The was established by Holmberg in 1884. It is currently classified in the tribe Eucerini, subtribe Eucerina, within the long-horned clade.