Xylocopa parvula


Xylocopa parvula or Xylocopa parvula is a species of carpenter bee. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1935 by Australian entomologist Tarlton Rayment.

Description

Body length is 18–23 mm; wing length 16–20 mm.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs widely in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. Associated habitats include open forest, shrubland and gardens.

Behaviour

The adults are flying mellivores. Flowering plants visited by the bees include Tecoma, Calytrix, Parkinsonia, Eucalyptus, Solanum, Melaleuca and Grevillea species. Plants used as substrates for nesting burrows include Adansonia, Ficus, Gyrocarpus and Samanea species.