Brachyhesma minya

Brachyhesma minya
Male
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Colletidae
Genus: Brachyhesma
Species:
B. minya
Binomial name
Brachyhesma minya

Brachyhesma minya, or Brachyhesma (Microhesma) minya, is a species of bee in the family Colletidae and the subfamily Euryglossinae. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1975 by Australian entomologist Elizabeth Exley.[1][2]

Etymology

The specific epithet minya is an Aboriginal word from South Australia meaning "small".[1]

Description

Colouring is yellow with brown markings. Body length of males is 3.3 mm, wing length 2.1 mm; body length of females is 3.7 mm, wing length 2.6 mm.[1]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in South Australia. The type locality is the Gawler Ranges.[2][1]

Behaviour

The adults are flying mellivores. Flowering plants visited by the bees include eucalypt species.[2][1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Exley, EM (1975). "New species and records of Brachyhesma Michener (Apoidea: Colletidae: Euryglossinae)". Journal of the Australian Entomological Society. 14: 139–144 [141]. Retrieved 2026-03-16.
  2. ^ a b c d "Species Brachyhesma (Microhesma) minya Exley, 1975". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2026. Retrieved 2026-03-16.