Anthidiellum

Cockerell, 1904

rotund resin bees

Anthidiellum is a of rotund resin in the , established by Cockerell in 1904. The genus comprises more than 60 described distributed across multiple continents. These bees are distinguished by their use of resin as the primary nesting material, constructing exposed rather than nesting in pre-existing cavities. The subgenus Ranthidiellum is rare and to Southeast Asia.

Anthidiellum perplexum by (c) Richard Stovall, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Richard Stovall. Used under a CC-BY license.Anthidiellum notatum by (c) threelark, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by threelark. Used under a CC-BY license.Anthidiellum by (c) Owen Strickland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Owen Strickland. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthidiellum: //ˌænθɪˈdaɪələm//

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Images

Distribution

Recorded from multiple regions including Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam), Europe (Denmark), and North America (Vermont, United States). The subgenus Ranthidiellum is to Southeast Asia.

Diet

provision with pollen and nectar, as documented in Anthidiellum strigatum.

Life Cycle

construction occurs in three phases: building the main from gathered resin crumbs, provisioning with pollen and nectar while the cell remains open at the lower end, and followed by cell closure. Closure is achieved by stretching the lower cell portion into a narrow tube and filling it with small resin particles.

Behavior

Constructs unsheltered from resin, each with a downward-directed tube. Some build resinous entrance tubes to their nests. Mating has been observed in Anthidiellum notatum and Anthidiellum perplexum.

Ecological Role

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Sources and further reading