Ceratina strenua

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Apidae
Subfamily: Xylocopinae
Genus: Ceratina
Species: strenua

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ceratina strenua: //ˌsɛrəˈtaɪnə ˈstrɛnjuə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Ceratina strenua male by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Ceratina strenua 316170286 by Jasper Shide. Used under a CC0 license.

Ceratina strenua 316170307 by Jasper Shide. Used under a CC0 license.

Ceratina strenua by USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory. Used under a Public domain license.

Ceratina strenua female by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Ceratina strenua 307504073 by James Kindt. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Ceratina strenua, known as the nimble ceratina, is a small carpenter bee species in the family Apidae, primarily found in North America. It is characterized by its size and distinctive marking on the front tibia.

Physical Characteristics

Female: 5-6.5 mm; Male: 4-5.5 mm; Averages smaller than other sympatric species in its subgenus (e.g., calcarata, dupla, and mikmaqi). Features a yellow or white stripe (not spot) on the front tibia.

Identification Tips

Look for the yellow or white stripe on the front tibia and the smaller size compared to related species.

Habitat

Forest edges and meadows.

Distribution

Found in New York, Georgia, Louisiana, and Ontario.

Life Cycle

One generation per year. Females bore new tunnels in twigs of sumac and canes like raspberry and rose. Males die out; females stay in nest until new adults emerge in July.

Reproduction

Mating occurs from April to May.

Ecosystem Role

Pollinator within its habitat.