Xeralictus
Cockerell, 1927
Xeralictus sweat bees
Species Guides
2- Xeralictus bicuspidariae
- Xeralictus timberlakei(Timberlake's Blazingstar-Shortface)
Xeralictus is a of small sweat bees in the Halictidae, Rophitinae. The genus contains at least three described , including X. bicuspidariae, X. biscuspidariae, and X. timberlakei. These bees are associated with desert environments in southwestern North America and exhibit specialized pollination relationships involving floral mimicry systems.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Xeralictus: /zɛrəˈlɪktəs/
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Habitat
Arid and semi-arid desert environments of southwestern North America. have been documented in association with creosote bush scrub and desert wash .
Distribution
Southwestern North America, primarily in Arizona and adjacent regions. Xeralictus bicuspidariae occurs east of the Colorado River; another congeneric occurs west of the Colorado River.
Behavior
Males patrol flowers in search of mates. In Xeralictus bicuspidariae, males attempt to mate with females while the females are positioned -down in flowers collecting pollen, leaving only the exposed. This has been exploited by the mimic plant Mohavea confertiflora, whose flowers bear a dark central marking resembling a female Xeralictus abdomen, thereby deceiving males into entering the flower and effecting pollination without reward.
Ecological Role
of desert plants. Documented visitors to Mentzelia involucrata (Loasaceae). Unwitting participants in a deceptive pollination mutualism involving floral mimicry by Mohavea confertiflora.