Dasyhesma argentea
| Dasyhesma argentea | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Female | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | Pancrustacea |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Colletidae |
| Genus: | Dasyhesma |
| Species: | D. argentea |
| Binomial name | |
| Dasyhesma argentea | |
Dasyhesma argentea is a species of bee in the family Colletidae and the subfamily Euryglossinae. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2004 by Australian entomologist Elizabeth Exley.[1][2]
Etymology
The specific epithet argentea refers to a favoured food plant.[1]
Description
Measurements of female specimens are: body length 6.5 mm, wing length 4.0 mm. Males: body length 4.0 mm, wing length 3.5 mm. Head and mesosoma are black; metasoma is orange and brown (females) or black (males).[1]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in the Mid West region of Western Australia. The type locality is 10.5 km south of Eneabba.[1][2]
Behaviour
The adults are flying mellivores. Flowering plants visited by the bees include Verticordia argentea.[1][2]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Exley, EM (2004). "Revision of the genus Dasyhesma Michener (Apoidea: Colletidae: Euryglossinae)" (PDF). Records of the Western Australian Museum. 22: 129–146 [138]. doi:10.18195/issn.0312-3162.22(2).2004.129-146. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- 1 2 3 4 "Species Dasyhesma argentea Exley, 2004". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2026. Retrieved 2026-03-24.