Leioproctus arenastrus

Leioproctus arenastrus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Clade: Pancrustacea
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Colletidae
Genus: Leioproctus
Species:
L. arenastrus
Binomial name
Leioproctus arenastrus
Batley, 2025[1][2]

Leioproctus arenastrus, or Leioproctus (Euryglossidia) arenastrus, is a species of bee in the family Colletidae and subfamily Colletinae. It is endemic to Australia. It was described by entomologist Michael Batley in 2025.[1][2]

Etymology

The specific epithet arenastrus indicates that the species resembles Leioproctus arenarius.[1]

Description

Male body length is 5.5 mm, female body length 6.5 mm. Integumental colouration is mainly black. The hair is white and pale brown.[1]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in inland southern Western Australia. The type locality is Credo Station in the Goldfields–Esperance region.[2]

Flowers of Seringia integrifolia

Behaviour

The adults are flying mellivores. Flowering plants visited by the bees include Seringia integrifolia, as well as Acacia species.[1][2]

Seringia integrifolia (common firebush), a forage plant of the bees

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Batley, M (2025). "Revision of the Australian bee subgenus Leioproctus (Euryglossidia) Cockerell, 1910 (Hymenoptera: Colletidae: Neopasiphaeinae)". Records of the Australian Museum. 77: 1–88 [23]. doi:10.3853/j.2201-4349.77.2025.1908. Retrieved 2026-08-12.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Species Leioproctus (Euryglossidia) arenastrus Batley, 2025". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2026. Retrieved 2026-08-12.