Hoplitis fulgida platyura
(Cockerell, 1911)
Pacific Green Small-Mason
Hoplitis fulgida platyura is a of in the Megachilidae. It is native to western North America, where it occurs from British Columbia to California. The subspecies is distinguished from the nominate form by structural differences in the male and subtle coloration differences. Like other members of the Hoplitis, females construct nests in pre-existing cavities and line with collected materials.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hoplitis fulgida platyura: /hɒˈplaɪtɪs ˈfʊldʒɪdə ˌplætɪˈjʊərə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from the nominate Hoplitis fulgida fulgida by the broader, more flattened male antennal segments (specifically flagellomeres 2-10), which give the subspecies its name 'platyura' (meaning 'broad tail'). Males also show slight differences in facial coloration and compared to eastern . Females are more difficult to distinguish and require examination of subtle morphological characters.
Habitat
Found in diverse across its western range including coastal areas, montane forests, and intermountain regions. Associated with areas providing nesting substrates such as borings in dead wood, hollow stems, and other pre-existing cavities.
Distribution
Western North America: British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. Records indicate presence from sea level to moderate elevations in mountainous regions.
Seasonality
active primarily in spring and early summer, with period typically from April through July depending on elevation and latitude.
Diet
Females collect pollen and nectar from a variety of flowering plants; specific plant associations have not been documented in detail for this .
Life Cycle
Solitary with one per year. Females construct nests in pre-existing cavities, provisioning individual with pollen and nectar before laying . Larvae develop through summer, with emerging the following spring.
Behavior
Males patrol nesting areas and vegetation, often hovering in search of females. Females are cavity-nesters, utilizing borings, hollow stems, and similar substrates. Both sexes visit flowers for nectar; females actively collect pollen for provisioning .
Ecological Role
of native flowering plants. As a solitary , it contributes to plant across diverse in western North America. Provides food resources for cleptoparasitic bees and other nest associates.
Similar Taxa
- Hoplitis fulgida fulgidaNominate occurring in eastern North America; distinguished by male antennal structure and subtle coloration differences.
- Hoplitis hypocritaSympatric western ; males have different facial markings and antennal structure, females differ in scopal hair color and .