Large Male Sunflower Bee

Description:

Large, robust Bee about 2 cm long. The wings were darkened, not completely clear. The hair on the body was golden brown. The abdomen was black striped with pale bands. He had large strong toothed mandibles and short facial hair. I became very fond of this bee. He (because it has 13 antennal segments, picture 5) came every night to my light and stayed until morning. There are 3 submarginal cells (picture 5), making this a Bee of the Family Apidae, Subfamily Apinae, Tribe Eucerini). These are called Sunflower Bees or Digger Bees. They are solitary bees, males sleep alone at night, normally on plants. Females dig burrows in the ground.

Habitat:

Came to an ultraviolet light. Finca Argovia, Ruta de Cafe, Soconusco area of southern Chiapas, Mexico. About 1 hour from Tapachula.