Leioproctus nix
| Leioproctus nix | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | Pancrustacea |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Colletidae |
| Genus: | Leioproctus |
| Species: | L. nix |
| Binomial name | |
| Leioproctus nix | |
Leioproctus nix, or Leioproctus (Protomorpha) nix, 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 2013.[1][2]
Etymology
The specific epithet nix (Latin: "snow") refers to the dense white facial hair of the female.[1]
Description
Male body length is about 6.9 mm, head width 2 mm; female body length 7.3 mm, head width 2.4 mm. Integumental colouration is mainly black with orange and brown markings; the hair is mostly white.[1]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in the Channel Country of far western Queensland. The type locality is the ephemeral Field River, near Ethabuka Reserve, on the edge of the Simpson Desert.[2]
Behaviour
The adults are flying mellivores. Flowering plants visited by the bees include Trachymene glaucifolia, Dicrastylis costelloi, Brunonia australis and Trianthema pilosum.[2]
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References
- 1 2 3 4 Batley, M; Popic, TJ (2013). "Five new species of Leioproctus (Protomorpha) Rayment (Hymenoptera: Colletidae)". Records of the Australian Museum. 65: 39–50 [45]. doi:10.3853/j.2201-4349.65.2013.1597. Retrieved 2026-08-11.
- 1 2 3 4 "Species Leioproctus (Protomorpha) nix Batley, 2013". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2026. Retrieved 2026-08-11.