Exoneura montana
| Exoneura montana | |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Apidae |
| Genus: | Exoneura |
| Species: | E. montana
|
| Binomial name | |
| Exoneura montana | |
Exoneura montana, or Exoneura (Exoneura) montana, is a species of reed bee in the tribe Allodapini. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1939 by Australian entomologist Tarlton Rayment.[1][2]
Description
The body length is 6–9 mm.[1]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in south-eastern Australia. The type locality is White Swamp in the McPherson Range of north-eastern New South Wales. Other published localities include Patonga Beach and Brooklyn, as well as Mount Buffalo in Victoria.[2][1]
Behaviour
The adults are flying mellivores with sedentary larvae. They nest in dead, dry plant stems, including Lantana. Two or more adult females may occupy one nest, though not all females lay eggs. All immature stages are found in the communal chamber, with the larvae fed progressively. Flowering plants visited by the bees include Kunzea and Stylidium species.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d Rayment, T (1939). "Bees from the high lands of New South Wales and Victoria". The Australian Zoologist. 9: 263–294 [290]. Retrieved 2026-01-17.
- ^ a b c d "Species Exoneura (Exoneura) montana Rayment, 1939". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2026. Retrieved 2026-01-17.