Exomalopsis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Exomalopsis: /ɛksoʊˈmæləpsɪs/

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Summary

Exomalopsis is a genus of communal nesting bees in the family Apidae, noted for their robust, hairy bodies and ecological roles as both pollinators and hosts for parasites. The genus boasts about 90 described species and is primarily found in the Neotropical and Nearctic realms.

Physical Characteristics

Robust and hairy, with pale bands on the abdomen, sometimes reddish. Males have very long antennae.

Identification Tips

Identify by its robust body, hairy appearance, and distinctive pale bands on the abdomen, as well as the long antennae of males.

Habitat

Communal nesting in various soil types, including dry soil and gritty clay roads.

Distribution

Neotropical and Nearctic realms; primarily in the Neotropics, with some species found in the western United States and Florida.

Diet

Floral generalists, feeding on a variety of flowering plants.

Life Cycle

Build communal nests; larvae develop in provisioned food piles within underground chambers.

Reproduction

Females excavate nests and lay eggs in cells with food provisions; some species show kleptoparasitic behavior from cuckoo bees.

Predators

Kleptoparasitic cuckoo bees from the genera Brachynomada, Nomada, Paranomada, and Triopasites; parasitoid wasps from the family Mutillidae.

Ecosystem Role

Pollinators of various plants; serve as both hosts for parasitoids and targets for kleptoparasites.

Tags

• bees
• Exomalopsis
• Hymenoptera
• Apidae
• communal nesting
• pollinators