Melittid Bees
Melittidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Family: Melittidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melittidae: /mɛˈlɪtɪdiː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Melittidae is a small family of bees known for their oligolectic habits and unique nesting behavior, with a historical record dating back to the early Eocene.
Physical Characteristics
Typically small to moderate-sized bees, well known for their specialist and oligolectic foraging habits.
Identification Tips
Look for solitary bees nesting in burrows they dig in soil or sand, often seen collecting floral oil.
Habitat
Burrows in soil or sand, often near host-plants for mating and foraging.
Distribution
All described species are restricted to Africa and the northern temperate zone, with over 180 species worldwide in various genera.
Diet
Oligoleges, primarily feeding on specific host plants.
Life Cycle
Females emerge from the ground before males, mate on host-plants, create a burrow for eggs. Larvae consume pollen and overwinter before pupating the next year.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs on top of pollen stored in burrows, with one egg per burrow.
Collecting Methods
- Nesting observation in natural habitats
- Trap nesting methods
Preservation Methods
- Dry preservation in envelopes
- Freezing for longer-term storage
Evolution
Initially suggested to be sister to all other bees and possibly paraphyletic; later studies indicate potential monophyly with lower extinction rates due to oligolecty.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often seen as rare due to their solitary nature and specific nesting habits.
Tags
- Melittidae
- Melittid bees
- Hymenoptera
- bees
- solitary bees