Lithurginae

Woodborer bees in Lithurginae can be distinguished from other Megachilidae by their nesting biology in woody substrates rather than pre-existing cavities or leaf-cutting behavior. Lithurgus species are larger-bodied bees with robust mandibles adapted for excavating wood. Lithurgopsis species are associated with cactus stems. Exact diagnostic morphological characters for the subfamily require examination of wing venation and male genitalia.

Nests in dead wood, cactus stems, and other woody substrates. Lithurgopsis apicalis has been documented nesting in Opuntia cactus. Lithurgus chrysurus nests in wood in both native and adventive ranges.

Widespread distribution with genera occurring in multiple regions. Lithurgus huberi is recorded from Argentina and Paraguay, historically believed introduced from Asia. Lithurgus chrysurus has established adventive populations. Austrothurgus and Trichothurgus occur in South America. Microthurge has a restricted distribution.

Solitary bees with nest-provisioned larvae. Early nesting biology has been documented in Lithurgus chrysurus, indicating nest establishment and provisioning behavior. Complete developmental stages from egg to adult occur within excavated wood or cactus stem nests.

Excavates nesting tunnels in woody substrates using mandibles. Nest site selection has been documented in Lithurgopsis apicalis. Does not cut leaves or use pre-existing cavities like other Megachilidae. Nests are constructed and provisioned by individual females.

Woodborers that create nesting cavities in dead wood and cactus stems. May contribute to decomposition of dead plant material through tunnel excavation.

Some species have become adventive and established outside native ranges, including Lithurgus chrysurus and Lithurgus huberi. No documented agricultural or economic significance.

• MegachilinaeOther subfamily of Megachilidae; distinguished by nesting in pre-existing cavities (Osmia, Hoplitis) or cutting leaf pieces for nest construction (Megachile, Coelioxys) rather than excavating wood
• XylocopinaeCarpenter bees also excavate wood, but are larger, belong to family Apidae, and have different morphological features including distinct wing venation and scopa placement

• woodborer
• cactus woodborer
• solitary bee
• adventive
• excavating nesting

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Species status and new distribution records for Lithurgus huberi (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae, Lithurginae)
• Early Nesting Biology of the Wood-Nesting Adventive Bee,Lithurgus chrysurusFonscolombe (Apoidea: Megachilidae: Lithurginae)
• Nest Site Selection and Nesting Behavior of the BeeLithurgopsis apicalis(Megachilidae: Lithurginae)
• Figure 7 from: Gonzalez V, Engel M, Lucia M, Alvarez L (2013) Species status and new distribution records for Lithurgus huberi (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae, Lithurginae). Journal of Hymenoptera Research 30: 13-18. https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.30.4018
• Figures 1–6 from: Gonzalez V, Engel M, Lucia M, Alvarez L (2013) Species status and new distribution records for Lithurgus huberi (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae, Lithurginae). Journal of Hymenoptera Research 30: 13-18. https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.30.4018