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Macropis nuda

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description Macropis nuda Overview

Macropis nuda is a solitary species of bee native to North America, first scientifically described by Léon Abel Provancher in 1882. It is classified as an oil-collecting bee, distinguished by the female's specialized morphology designed to harvest fatty floral oils. This bee has an obligate relationship with plants in the genus Lysimachia (loosestrifes), from which it gathers both oils to line its underground nests and pollen to feed its larvae. They are important specialized pollinators within their specific ecosystems.

help Macropis nuda FAQ

Why is Macropis nuda called an oil-collecting bee?

Female Macropis nuda gather fatty floral oils rather than relying only on nectar. Their specialized leg hairs and basitarsi help scrape oil from flowers of Lysimachia, especially Lysimachia ciliata.

Where does Macropis nuda live?

Macropis nuda is native to North America and is associated with wet habitats where its Lysimachia host plants grow. It is a soil-nesting species and was first described by Léon Abel Provancher in 1882.

What does Macropis nuda use floral oil for?

The collected oil is used in nest provisioning and in lining larval cells, while pollen supplies additional food for the offspring. This close relationship with Lysimachia makes the bee a specialist rather than a generalist pollinator.

How can I recognize a female Macropis nuda?

Look for the short, stout body and the enlarged, specialized basitarsi on the front legs used for oil collection. The species is small, with one Canadian field guide describing it as roughly 7.5 millimeters long.

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