Leioproctus lucanus
| Leioproctus lucanus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Female | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | Pancrustacea |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Colletidae |
| Genus: | Leioproctus |
| Species: | L. lucanus |
| Binomial name | |
| Leioproctus lucanus | |
Leioproctus lucanus, or Leioproctus (Leioproctus) lucanus, is a species of bee in the family Colletidae and subfamily Colletinae. It is endemic to Australia. It was described by Australian entomologist Terry Houston in 1990.[1][2]
Etymology
The specific epithet lucanus is an anatomical reference, likening the pincer-like mandibles of the males to those of some Lucanus beetles.[1]
Description
The male holotype body length is about 11 mm, head width 4.25 mm; female paratype body length 8.5 mm, head width 2.6 mm. Integumental colouration is mainly black; the hair is mainly white.[1]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in central Australia. The type locality is 2 km south of Hamilton Homestead in the Far North of South Australia.[1][2]
Behaviour
The adults are flying mellivores. Flowering plants visited by the bees include Eremophila willsii, Eremophila spathulata and Scaevola spinescens.[1][2]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Houston, TF (1990). "Descriptions of new paracolletine bees associated with flowers of Eremophila (Hymenoptera: Colletidae)". Records of the Western Australian Museum. 14: 583–621 [609]. Retrieved 2026-07-26.
- 1 2 3 4 "Species Leioproctus (Leioproctus) lucanus Houston, 1990". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2026. Retrieved 2026-07-26.