Augochlorella nigrocyanea
Augochlorella nigrocyanea is a of sweat in the , tribe Augochlorini. The Augochlorella contains several species of small, metallic bees that are difficult to distinguish from related genera Augochlora and Augochloropsis without microscopic examination. Members of this genus are known for their bright metallic green, -green, or occasionally brassy coloration. Some Augochlorella species exhibit communal nesting or primitively social , with multiple females sharing nest entrances.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Augochlorella nigrocyanea: //ˌɔːɡoʊklɔːˈrɛlə naɪˌɡroʊsaɪˈɛniə//
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Identification
Augochlorella are virtually identical in appearance to Augochlora and Augochloropsis, requiring microscopic examination to distinguish at the level. All three genera display bright metallic green, -green, or occasionally brassy, coppery, or bronze coloration. The specific epithet nigrocyanea suggests dark blue or black-blue coloration, but precise diagnostic features for this species are not documented in the provided sources.
Similar Taxa
- AugochloraVirtually identical metallic green appearance; requires microscopic examination to distinguish from Augochlorella
- AugochloropsisVirtually identical metallic green appearance; requires microscopic examination to distinguish from Augochlorella
- AgapostemonSimilar metallic green coloration, but males have banded black and rather than uniform metallic coloration; females of most Agapostemon are wholly metallic green but are generally hairier than Augochlorella
- Cuckoo wasps (Chrysididae)Similar metallic appearance but exhibit different : flit about with quick, jerky movements and are seldom found on flowers, whereas Augochlorella more directly, move less swiftly, and are commonly found on flowers; only female bees collect pollen on their hind legs
More Details
Taxonomic Context
The Augochlorella is part of the tribe Augochlorini within the . The three genera in this tribe—Augochlora, Augochlorella, and Augochloropsis—are so similar morphologically that expert identification requires specimen collection and microscopic examination. The specific epithet nigrocyanea (combining niger 'black' and cyaneus 'dark ') suggests a color distinct from the more commonly referenced green or blue-green forms in this genus.
Nesting Biology
The Augochlorella includes that exhibit communal nesting or primitively social biology, with multiple females sharing a single nest entrance and maintaining guard at the nest entrance. Nests are typically excavated burrows in soil, marked by small mounds of excavated soil called tumuli.