Ctenocolletes tigris


Ctenocolletes tigris is a species of bee in the family Stenotritidae. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1983 by Australian entomologist Terry Houston.

Etymology

The specific epithet tigris alludes to the colour pattern of black and yellow integumental bands across the metasoma.

Description

The body length of males is 16.5 mm; that of females is 16–19 mm.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in the Great Victoria Desert of Western Australia. The holotype was collected 36 km north-north-east of Neale Junction. Flowering plants visited by the bees include Dicrastylis, Baeckea, Wehlia, Acacia, Ptilotus, Grevillea, Newcastelia, Teucrium, Thryptomene and Solanum species.

Behaviour

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