Euhesma aureophila
| Euhesma aureophila | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Female | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | Pancrustacea |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Colletidae |
| Genus: | Euhesma |
| Species: | E. aureophila |
| Binomial name | |
| Euhesma aureophila | |
| Synonyms | |
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Euhesma aureophila, or Euhesma (Euhesma) aureophila, is a species of bee in the family Colletidae and the subfamily Euryglossinae. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1992 by Australian entomologist Terry Houston.[1][2]
Etymology
The specific epithet aureophila (Latin: ‘lover of gold’) refers to the species’ preference for the rich yellow flowers of Verticordia aurea.[1]
Description
Body length of females is 5.3 mm, that of males 4.5 mm. Colouration is mainly black, brown and cream.[1]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in south-west Western Australia. The type locality is 10.5 km south of Eneabba.[2]
Behaviour
The adults are solitary flying mellivores. Flowering plants visited by the bees include Verticordia and Pileanthus species.[2]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Houston, TF (1992). "Three new, monolectic species of Euryglossa (Euhesma) from Western Australia (Hymenoptera: Colletidae)". Records of the Western Australian Museum. 15: 719–728 [723]. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
- 1 2 3 4 "Species Euhesma (Euhesma) aureophila (Houston, 1992)". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2026. Retrieved 2026-05-04.