Exoneura variabilis

Exoneura variabilis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Apidae
Genus: Exoneura
Species:
E. variabilis
Binomial name
Exoneura variabilis

Exoneura variabilis, or Exoneura (Exoneura) variabilis, is a species of reed bee in the tribe Allodapini. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1949 by Australian entomologist Tarlton Rayment.[1][2]

Description

The head and thorax are black, the abdomen ferruginous-red.[1]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in New South Wales and Queensland. The type locality is Narooma.[2][1]

Behaviour

The adults are flying mellivores with sedentary larvae. They nest in dead, dry plant stems, including those of Deeringia, Hydrangea, Plectranthus, Rubus and Lantana. Flowering plants visited by the bees include Bursaria, Erigeron, Helichrysum, Leucopogon and Lomatia.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Rayment, T (1949). "New bees and wasps—Part IX. Four undescribed species of Exoneura, with notes on their collection, and description of new parasites discovered on the genus". Victorian Naturalist. 65: 247–254 [252]. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  2. ^ a b c d "Species Exoneura (Exoneura) variabilis Rayment, 1949". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2026. Retrieved 2026-01-19.