Trichocolletes nitens
| Trichocolletes nitens | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Female | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | Pancrustacea |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Colletidae |
| Genus: | Trichocolletes |
| Species: | T. nitens |
| Binomial name | |
| Trichocolletes nitens | |
Trichocolletes nitens 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 nitens (Latin: 'brilliant') refers to the conspicuous golden metasomal bands.[1]
Description
The body length is about 12–13 mm. The eyes are not hairy. Colouration is mainly black and dark brown to orange-brown, with broad orange-gold metasomal bands, and with gold, orange and white hair.[1][2]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in inland south-western and southern Western Australia. The type locality is about 6 km south-west of McDermid Rock, near Norseman.[1][2]
Behaviour
The adults are flying mellivores. Flowering plants visited by the bees include Daviesia aphylla, Leptospermum erubescens, and Gastrolobium ilicifolium.[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 [30]. Retrieved 2026-06-10.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Species Trichocolletes nitens Batley & Houston, 2012". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2026. Retrieved 2026-06-10.