Xylocopa lieftincki

Xylocopa lieftincki
Female
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Apidae
Genus: Xylocopa
Species:
X. lieftincki
Binomial name
Xylocopa lieftincki
Leys, 2000[1][2]

Xylocopa lieftincki or Xylocopa (Koptortosoma) lieftincki is a species of carpenter bee. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2000 by Australian entomologist Remko Leys. The species was previously overlooked because of its resemblance to Xylocopa aruana.[1][2]

Description

Body length is 18โ€“24 mm; wing length 12โ€“20 mm.[1]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs occurs in northern and eastern Australia. The holotype was collected on Rimbija Island in the Wessel Group of the Northern Territory. Associated habitats include open forest and shrubland, as well as agricultural land and gardens.[1][2]

Behaviour

The adults are flying mellivores. Flowering plants visited by the bees include Anacardium, Cassia, Crotalaria, Tristania and Wisteria species.[2][1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Leys, R (2000). "A revision of the Australian carpenter bees, genus Xylocopa Latreille, subgenera Koptortosoma Gribodo and Lestis Lepeletier & Serville (Hymenoptera : Apidae)". Invertebrate Systematics. 14 (1): 115โ€“136 [124]. doi:10.1071/IT98014. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
  2. ^ a b c d "Species Xylocopa (Koptortosoma) lieftincki Leys, 2000". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2025. Retrieved 2025-12-18.