Trichocolletes lacaris
| Trichocolletes lacaris | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Female | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | Pancrustacea |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Colletidae |
| Genus: | Trichocolletes |
| Species: | T. lacaris |
| Binomial name | |
| Trichocolletes lacaris | |
Trichocolletes lacaris is a species of bee in the family Colletidae and the subfamily Colletinae. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 2012 by Australian entomologists Michael Batley and Terry Houston.[1][2]
Etymology
The specific epithet lacaris (Latin: 'of a lake') refers to several collection sites.[1]
Description
The body length is about 12–13 mm. The eyes are hairy. Colouration is mainly black and dark-brown to orange-brown, with white and orange hair. The bees have broad silver metasomal bands.[1][2]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in arid areas of South Australia and coastal Western Australia north of Shark Bay. The type locality is Lake Callabonna. Other published localities include the usually dry lakes Puntawolona, Ngapakaldi and Palankarinna, as well as Kendrew Island in the Dampier Archipelago.[1][2]
Behaviour
The adults are flying mellivores. Flowering plants visited by the bees include Swainsona pterostylis.[1][2]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Batley, M; Houston, TF (2012). "Revision of the Australian bee genus Trichocolletes Cockerell (Hymenoptera: Colletidae: Paracolletini)" (PDF). Records of the Australian Museum. 64 (1): 1–50 [24]. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Species Trichocolletes lacaris Batley & Houston, 2012". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2026. Retrieved 2026-06-12.