Brachyhesma nigricornis

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

Brachyhesma nigricornis, or Brachyhesma (Brachyhesma) nigricornis, 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 nigricornis refers to the black antennal flagella of the male.[1]

Description

Colouring is mainly yellow. Body length of males is 3.5 mm, wing length 2.1 mm; body length of females is 3.5 mm, wing length 2.4 mm.[1]

Distribution and habitat

The type locality is Billiatt Conservation Park in South Australia. It has also been recorded from Mataranka, Northern Territory.[2][1]

Behaviour

The adults are flying mellivores. Flowering plants visited by the bees include mallee eucalypts.[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 [143]. Retrieved 2026-03-17.
  2. ^ a b c d "Species Brachyhesma (Brachyhesma) nigricornis Exley, 1975". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2026. Retrieved 2026-03-17.