Chelostoma phaceliae
Michener, 1938
Chelostoma phaceliae is a solitary in the Megachilidae, described by Michener in 1938. Like other members of the Chelostoma, it is a bee with narrow ecological associations. The species is native to North America and is part of the diverse of solitary bees that provide essential pollination services without forming social colonies.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chelostoma phaceliae: //kɛˈlɒstəma/ fəˈsiːliˌaɪ//
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Identification
Members of the Chelostoma are small, slender bees with elongated bodies and relatively short tongues compared to other megachilids. They can be distinguished from similar osmiine bees by their narrow, parallel-sided body form and reduced scopa (pollen-carrying structure) on the . -level identification of C. phaceliae requires examination of morphological details such as genitalia and facial structures; the specific epithet "phaceliae" suggests an association with Phacelia plants, which may aid field recognition where this relationship occurs.
Habitat
North American where plants of the Phacelia occur; likely favors open, sunny environments with suitable nesting substrates and abundant floral resources.
Distribution
North America; present according to GBIF distribution records.
Diet
with documented association with Phacelia (Hydrophyllaceae). feed on nectar; larvae provisioned with pollen-nectar mixtures derived from plants.
Host Associations
- Phacelia - pollen Specific epithet and -level indicate oligolectic specialization on Phacelia .
Life Cycle
Solitary nesting typical of Megachilidae: females construct individual nest in pre-existing cavities, provision cells with pollen and nectar, lay , and seal cells with materials such as leaf pieces, mud, or resin. Development includes egg, larval, pupal, and stages with likely or partially depending on latitude.
Behavior
Nests in pre-existing cavities such as hollow stems or borings in wood. Females collect pollen using the scopa on the . Males may patrol plant patches seeking mates. Like other Chelostoma, likely exhibits strong fidelity to host plant patches during foraging.
Ecological Role
of Phacelia ; contributes to plant reproductive success through targeted pollen transfer. As a cavity-nesting , it occupies a distinct functional guild within native bee and may serve as a for cleptoparasitic bees.
Human Relevance
Potential of Phacelia crops and native plant restoration projects; contributes to biodiversity in agricultural and natural landscapes. No documented negative impacts.
Similar Taxa
- Chelostoma campanulorumBoth are small, slender bees in the same with narrow body form, but C. campanulorum is associated with Campanula (bellflowers) rather than Phacelia, and occurs in the Palearctic rather than North America.
- Other Chelostoma speciesMany share similar and cavity-nesting habits; -level distinction requires detailed morphological examination and knowledge of plant associations.
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet "phaceliae" directly references the Phacelia, indicating the described relationship with these plants at the time of description.