Heriades carinata

Cresson, 1864

Carinate Sculptured Mason Bee, Carinate Armored-Resin bee

Heriades carinata is a small solitary in the Megachilidae. It is a twig-nesting that uses pre-existing cavities such as hollow stems or borings in dead wood. The female constructs nest separated by partitions of plant resin, earning it the 'Armored-Resin .' It has been recorded as the first gynandromorph in its . The species occurs across the United States and southern Canada.

Heriades carinata by (c) Ari B, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ari B. Used under a CC-BY license.

Heriades carinata by (c) Thilina Hettiarachchi, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thilina Hettiarachchi. Used under a CC-BY license.

Heriades carinata, F, Side, VA, Wolftrap 2013-06-26-17.16.06 ZS PMax (48760450697) by Yellowstone National Park. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Heriades carinata: /ˈhe.ri.a.des kə.rəˈnaː.ta/

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Identification

Heriades carinata can be distinguished from other Heriades by its carinate (keeled) sculpturing. It is a small with a compact body form typical of the . Females carry pollen on a scopa of hairs on the underside of the rather than on the legs, a characteristic of Megachilidae. Males have longer and a blunter abdominal tip compared to females. The species uses nest openings approximately 1/8 inch (3 mm) in diameter, smaller than many other cavity-nesting bees.

Images

Habitat

Found in areas with dead wood, hollow twigs, or stems providing nest cavities. Documented nesting in hollowed-out stems of sumac (Rhus spp.).

Distribution

North America: United States and southern Canada. Specific records include Vermont and other eastern US locations.

Life Cycle

Females create a series of within a nest cavity, each separated by a partition of plant resin. A pollen loaf is placed in each cell, followed by a single , before the cell is sealed. One empty cell is typically left at the nest entrance before the final resin plug seals the nest, possibly as a defense against .

Behavior

Nests in pre-existing cavities such as hollow twigs or borings rather than excavating its own burrows. Females have been observed collecting pollen and nectar from flowers including milkweed (Asclepias spp.) and Erigeron speciosus. The is known to occupy blocks or 'bee condos' when provided with appropriately sized holes.

Ecological Role

of wildflowers. Provides nest cavities for subsequent and associated . The resin partitions in nests may create for microorganisms.

Human Relevance

Beneficial that can be encouraged through provision of artificial nest blocks with small-diameter holes. Subject to by sapygid (Sapygidae) when nesting in aggregated blocks.

Similar Taxa

Heriades cressoniAnother small Heriades in the same geographic region; H. carinata distinguished by carinate sculpturing and confirmed records from sumac stems
Other Heriades speciesAll share twig-nesting habit and resin use; specific identification requires examination of sculpturing details and geographic distribution

More Details

Taxonomic note

Originally described as Heriades carinatus by Cresson in 1864; the epithet has been corrected to feminine form carinata to match the feminine name.

Nesting biology

The first detailed nesting record for the subgenus Physostetha was documented by Rau, who reared two individuals from a hollow sumac stem. The ' use of resin partitions is characteristic of the Heriades and provides the 'armored' protection referenced in one .