Ctenocolletes smaragdinus

Ctenocolletes smaragdinus is a species of bee in the family Stenotritidae. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1868 by English entomologist Frederick Smith.

Description

The body length of males is 14–16 mm; that of females 17–19 mm. It is distinguished from its congeners by its brilliant metallic green integument and sparse pubescence.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in south-western Western Australia. The holotype was collected at Champion Bay. Flowering plants visited by the bees include Leptospermum, Melaleuca, Grevillea, Verticordia and Baeckea species.

Behaviour

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