Townsendiellini

Genus Guides

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Townsendiellini is a tribe of bees in the Apidae, Nomadinae. The tribe was historically recognized as a distinct lineage but has been reclassified in recent phylogenomic studies. Based on integrated molecular and morphological evidence, Townsendiellini is now treated as a synonym of an expanded tribe Neolarrini. Members of this lineage are cleptoparasitic bees that parasitize solitary . The tribe includes the Townsendiella, which was found to be sister to Rhopalolemma, rendering the historical tribe Biastini .

Townsendiella pulchra, f, face, Portal, AZ 2018-06-20-23.41.18 ZS PMax UDR (32331501017) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.Townsendiella pulchra Female by The Packer Lab. Used under a Attribution license.Townsendiella rufiventris Male by The Packer Lab. Used under a Attribution license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Townsendiellini: //taʊnzɛnˈdiɛlɪnaɪ//

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Ecological Role

As in the Nomadinae, members of this lineage function as of solitary bees. They do not construct nests or provision pollen stores, instead exploiting the nesting resources of . This parasitic lifestyle reduces host reproductive success and may influence host and structure.

Similar Taxa

Sources and further reading