Male-sleeping-aggregations
Guides
Eucerini
Longhorn Bees, Long-horned Bees
Eucerini is the most diverse tribe in the family Apidae, comprising over 32 genera and approximately 500 species worldwide. All species are solitary, with females nesting in the ground and males forming characteristic overnight sleeping aggregations on vegetation. The tribe is distinguished by unusually long male antennae, the source of its common name. Eucerini reaches its highest diversity in the Western Hemisphere, with notable specialist pollinators of cucurbits including the economically important squash bees (Peponapis and Xenoglossa).
Melissodes rivalis
rival long-horned bee, Western Thistle Longhorn Bee
Melissodes rivalis is a solitary long-horned bee in the family Apidae, native to northern North America. Males are distinguished by antennae that may exceed their body length. Females construct individual underground nests and provision them with pollen, while males form sleeping aggregations on flower heads. The species has been documented pollinating thistles (Cirsium sp.).
Melissodes robustior
robust long-horned bee
Melissodes robustior, commonly known as the robust long-horned bee, is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae. It is native to the West Coast of North America. Male individuals have been observed exhibiting the characteristic sleeping behavior of the genus Melissodes, clustering on flowers or stems at night while females nest underground.