Ctenocolletes nigricans
| Ctenocolletes nigricans | |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Stenotritidae |
| Genus: | Ctenocolletes |
| Species: | C. nigricans
|
| Binomial name | |
| Ctenocolletes nigricans | |
Ctenocolletes nigricans is a species of bee in the family Stenotritidae. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1985 by Australian entomologist Terry Houston.[1][2]
Etymology
The specific epithet nigricans (Latin: “becoming black”) refers to the dominance of black in the colour pattern.[1]
Description
The body length of males is 14–16 mm; that of females is 16–18 mm.[1]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in the Geraldton Sandplains region of Western Australia. The holotype was collected 13 km south of Wannoo. Flowering plants visited by the bees include Thryptomene and Melaleuca species.[1][2]
Behaviour
The adults are solitary, flying mellivores, with sedentary larvae, that nest in burrows dug in soil.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d e Houston, TF (1985). "Supplement to a revision of the bee genus Ctenocolletes (Hymenoptera: Stenotritidae)". Records of the Western Australian Museum. 12 (3): 293–305 [302]. Retrieved 2025-12-13.
- ^ a b c d "Species Ctenocolletes nigricans Houston, 1985". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-12-13.