Jump to content

Rediviva albifasciata

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rediviva albifasciata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Melittidae
Genus: Rediviva
Species:
R. albifasciata
Binomial name
Rediviva albifasciata
Friese, 1911

Rediviva albifasciata is a species of oil-collecting bee in the Rediviva genus and Melittidae family endemic to South Africa.[1] It is the smallest of all Rediviva species.[1]: 59 

Characteristics

[edit]

The distribution of Rediviva albifasciata is strongly congruent with the distribution of the plant Colpias mollis.[1]: 61  Its size allows it to collect oil from C. mollis flowers much more easily than other bees, such as R. bicava and R. parva.[1]: 59 

The forelegs of R. albifasciata are covered in blade-like hairs ventrally that allow it to collect and rupture elaiophores from C. mollis.[2]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Steiner, K. E.; Whitehead, V. B. (2002-11-20). "Oil secretion and the pollination of Colpias mollis (Scrophulariaceae)". Plant Systematics and Evolution. 235 (1/4 (2002)): 53–66. doi:10.1007/s00606-002-0216-y. JSTOR 23645036.
  2. ^ Kuhlmann, Michael; Hollens, Hilke (12 March 2015). "Morphology of oil-collecting pilosity of female Rediviva bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Melittidae) reflects host plant use". Journal of Natural History. 49 (9–10): 561–573. doi:10.1080/00222933.2014.939732.