Melissodes verbesinarum


Melissodes verbesinarum is a species of long-horned bees found in the south western United States and central Mexico.

Description

Females are identifiable by being more robust than other Melissodes; darker hairs on inner side of basal joint of hind tarsi; flagellum, after the first two joints, bright rusty color on the underside; basal band of second abdominal segment broad and very white; hairs of thorax are paler near the head; eyes pale sea-green. Appears similar to easily be taken for an undersized M. pallidicincta, but the much narrower face at once distinguishes it.

Ecology

M. verbesinarum nectars on Helianthus annuus without pollinating it.