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Bee

Megalopta sp.

Photo by LaurenZarate
Published on Project Noah
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14.97, -92.22

Field Notes

Description:

This Bee looks superficially like a honey bee, the right size and with a similar colored and banded abdomen. However, it is not. The thorax and head are a metallic bronze-green and the hair pattern is not the same. It has 3 very large oscelli, which would implicate it in vespertine or nocturnal foraging activity and more than one came to my ultraviolet light during the 3 nights I ran it. I think this is a Halictid Bee because of the curved basal cell of the wings and that is is of the genus Megalopta (http://www.pbase.com/splluk/image/150333276). The bees of this genus are known for nocturnal activity and their eyes are many times more sensitive to low light than diurnal bees.

Habitat:

Came to an ultraviolet light, Finca Argovia, Ruta de Café, Soconusco area of Southern Chiapas, about 1 hour northeast of Tapachula.

Species ID Suggestions

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