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.

Etymology

The specific epithet nigricans refers to the dominance of black in the colour pattern.

Description

The body length of males is 14–16 mm; that of females is 16–18 mm.

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.

Behaviour

The adults are solitary, flying mellivores, with sedentary larvae, that nest in burrows dug in soil.