Dufourea echinocacti

Timberlake, 1939

Barrel Cactus Shortface, barrel cactus dufourea

Dufourea echinocacti is a of sweat bee in the Halictidae, first described by Philip Hunter Timberlake in 1939. The references its documented association with barrel cacti in the Echinocactus. It is known from arid regions of California and northwestern Mexico. As a member of the genus Dufourea, it belongs to a group of short-faced bees characterized by relatively short mouthparts compared to other halictids.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dufourea echinocacti: //djuːˈfɔːriə ɛˌkaɪnoʊˈkækti//

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Habitat

Associated with containing barrel cacti in the Echinocactus. Found in arid and semi-arid environments including desert scrub and dry rocky slopes where its cacti occur.

Distribution

North America: primarily California (United States) and northwestern Mexico (Baja California). Distribution records indicate presence in both Middle America and North America regions.

Host Associations

  • Echinocactus - floral associationThe epithet and reference affinity for barrel cacti in this ; specific nature of association (pollen/nectar collection, nesting) not detailed in available sources.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by Philip Hunter Timberlake in 1939. The specific epithet 'echinocacti' directly references the Echinocactus, an unusual -specific naming convention among bees.

Sources and further reading