Tumidihesma flaviceps
| Tumidihesma flaviceps | |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Colletidae |
| Genus: | Tumidihesma |
| Species: | T. flaviceps
|
| Binomial name | |
| Tumidihesma flaviceps | |
Tumidihesma flaviceps is a species of bee in the family Colletidae and the subfamily Euryglossinae. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1996 by Australian entomologist Elizabeth Exley.[1][2]
Etymology
The specific epithet flaviceps refers to the distinctive golden-yellow colouring on the head.[1]
Description
Only female specimens have been collected; males are unknown. Body length is 6 mm, wing length 4 mm. The head is black with a golden-yellow clypeus. The species is distinguished by the colour of the clypeus from that of its congener T. tridentata, which is reddish-brown.[1]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in south-west Western Australia. The type locality is Coolgardie. It has also been recorded from Southern Cross. The habitat is arid, with a desert climate.[2][1]
Behaviour
The adults are flying mellivores. Flowering plants visited by the bees include Eucalyptus species.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d e Exley, Elizabeth M. (1996). "Tumidihesma, a new genus of Australian bees (Hymenoptera: Colletidae: Euryglossinae)". Australian Journal of Entomology. 35 (3): 253–255 [255]. doi:10.1111/j.1440-6055.1996.tb01399.x.
- ^ a b c d "Species Tumidihesma flaviceps Exley, 1996". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2026. Retrieved 2026-02-10.