Heriades

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Megachilidae
Subfamily: Megachilinae
Tribe: Osmiini
Genus: Heriades

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Heriades: /ˈhɛriˌeɪdiːz/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Heriades leavitti by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Heriades prosopidis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Heriades crucifera by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Heriades (Michenerella) plumosa by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Heriades is a genus of bees belonging to the family Megachilidae, featuring over 130 global species, with several in North America. They are notable for their nesting behavior and characteristic morphology.

Physical Characteristics

Fairly small and usually black; abdomens curled under; segment 1 (T1) is concave with a sharp edge; each segment appears constricted.

Identification Tips

Look for black coloration and the characteristic curled abdomen.

Habitat

Nesting usually occurs in cavities in wood excavated by other insects or occasionally in pine cones.

Distribution

Found all over the world except South America and Australia; throughout North America, with only a few species native east of the Rocky Mountains, including some European species like H. truncorum on the east coast of the US.

Diet

As bees, their diet primarily consists of nectar and pollen.

Life Cycle

Information on the specific life cycle of each species may vary, but they typically follow the life cycle of bees which includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Like many bees, Heriades species likely reproduce by laying eggs in nest cells that they prepare, often separating the cells with resin.

Ecosystem Role

They play a role in pollination as they collect nectar and pollen from various plants.