Anthidiellum notatum gilense
(Cockerell, 1897)
Gila Rotund-Resin Bee
Anthidiellum notatum gilense is a of resin in the , commonly known as the Gila Rotund-Resin Bee. It belongs to a characterized by using resins to construct nest . The subspecies designation suggests geographic differentiation from the nominate form, with this associated with the Gila region of the southwestern United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anthidiellum notatum gilense: //ænˌθɪd.iˈɛləm noʊˈteɪtəm ˈdʒɪlɛns//
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Identification
Distinguished from the nominate Anthidiellum notatum notatum by geographic occurrence in the Gila region. Separation from other Anthidiellum requires examination of male and scutal punctation patterns. Females carry pollen on the beneath the , typical of . The subspecific status indicates subtle morphological differences that may include coloration or size variation, though diagnostic features for this subspecies are not well documented in accessible literature.
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Habitat
Associated with arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States, particularly the Gila River watershed and adjacent areas. Inferred from -level to occupy areas with suitable resin-producing plants for nest construction.
Distribution
Documented from the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico region) and potentially adjacent northern Mexico. GBIF records indicate presence in Middle America and North America, with the subspecific epithet 'gilense' indicating association with the Gila region.
Behavior
As a member of the Anthidiellum, has been observed to collect resins for nest construction. Nests are typically built in pre-existing cavities such as hollow stems or borings. Resin is applied to form individual within these cavities.
Ecological Role
Likely functions as a in its range. Contributes to resin-mediated interactions with plants, potentially influencing resin production in visited . Serves as or for cleptoparasitic and other , though specific records for this are not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Anthidiellum notatum notatumNominate ; distinguished by geographic distribution (more eastern and northern range) and subtle morphological differences not fully characterized in available sources
- Anthidiellum perplexum congeneric in southwestern North America; differs in male structure and scutal punctation
- Anthidiellum ehrhorniWestern North ; requires close examination of thoracic punctation and male terminalia for separation
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The subspecific status of gilense has been maintained in current , though the degree of differentiation from the nominate form warrants further study. Cockerell's original description (1897) established this based on material from the Gila River region.
Observation Status
Only 16 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of data compilation, indicating either genuine rarity, identification difficulty, or limited survey effort in its core range.