Ceratina dallatorreana
Friese, 1896
Dalla Torre's ceratina
Ceratina dallatorreana is a small in the , first described by Friese in 1896. The exhibits a rare reproductive strategy among : it reproduces exclusively by and never produces males. This bee has been documented across three continents—Africa, Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America—making it one of the more broadly distributed Ceratina species. Its wide geographic range and unique reproductive biology distinguish it from most other small carpenter bees.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ceratina dallatorreana: //sɛˈræ.tɪ.nə ˌdæl.ə.tɔːˈreɪ.ə.nə//
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Distribution
Africa; Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China); North America. The is present on three continents, though specific countries and ecological zones within these regions are not well documented in available sources.
Diet
As a member of the Ceratina, this is presumed to be a that visits flowers for nectar and pollen. However, specific floral associations for C. dallatorreana have not been documented.
Behavior
Reproduces exclusively by ; males are never produced. This is a rare reproductive strategy among and represents a significant departure from the typical found in most .
Ecological Role
As a , this contributes to in the where it occurs. Its parthenogenetic reproduction allows to persist without males, potentially facilitating of new areas.
Similar Taxa
- Other Ceratina speciesMost Ceratina reproduce sexually and produce males, whereas C. dallatorreana is parthenogenetic. Identification to species level requires examination of morphological characters not described in available sources.
More Details
Parthenogenesis
The obligate of C. dallatorreana is exceptional among . This reproductive mode, also known as , means that unfertilized develop into females. This trait has significant implications for genetics, ability, and evolutionary potential.