Dasypodainae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Melittidae
Subfamily: Dasypodainae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dasypodainae: //ˌdæsɪpoʊˈdaɪniː//

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

Images

Hesperapis oraria 236042042 by Lauren McLaurin. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Hesperapis oraria 235881658 by Lauren McLaurin. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Hesperapis oraria 236049517 by Kim. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Hesperapis-regularis by George Williams. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Hesperapis regularis 79641269 by George Williams. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Dasypodainae is a small subfamily of melittid bees with more than 100 species in eight genera, predominantly found in Africa and the northern temperate zone, mostly in xeric habitats. The largest genus, Hesperapis, has a disjunct distribution in North America and southern Africa.

Physical Characteristics

Typically small to moderate-sized bees with shaggy scopae. All members have two submarginal cells in the forewing.

Identification Tips

Look for small to moderate-sized bees with shaggy body hairs and two submarginal cells in forewings.

Habitat

Primarily found in xeric habitats.

Distribution

Holarctic and Afrotropical regions; includes a Nearctic and Southern African genus, two genera restricted to the Palaearctic Region, and one genus to the Afrotropical Region.

Diet

Commonly oligolectic, specializing on specific plant species (e.g. Hesperapis regularis on Clarkia species).

Evolution

Initial molecular work suggested the Melittidae was paraphyletic, prompting discussion about elevating subfamilies to family status. More recent studies support Dasypodainae as a subfamily of Melittidae.