description Rediviva longimanus Overview
*Rediviva longimanus* is a solitary oil-collecting bee endemic to the Succulent Karoo of South Africa. Females possess extraordinarily elongated forelegs, in some cases longer than their bodies, which they insert into the long floral spurs of *Diascia* species to gather oil used as larval provisions. This association between *Rediviva* bees and *Diascia* plants is one of the most studied examples of specialized insect-plant coevolution in southern Africa.
help Rediviva longimanus FAQ
Where is the solitary bee *Rediviva longimanus* found in the wild?
*Rediviva longimanus* is a solitary, oil-collecting bee species endemic specifically to the Succulent Karoo region of South Africa. This biodiversity hotspot is located in the western part of the country.
Why do female *Rediviva longimanus* bees have such unusually long front legs?
The females possess extraordinarily elongated forelegs, which are sometimes longer than their entire bodies. They use these specialized front legs to reach deep into the long floral spurs of *Diascia* flowers to collect floral oil.
What do *Rediviva longimanus* bees use the floral oil they collect for?
The bees mix the gathered floral oil from the *Diascia* plants with pollen to create a sticky, nutrient-rich mixture. This blend is used to provision their underground nests as a food source for their developing larvae.
Is *Rediviva longimanus* a social or solitary species of bee?
*Rediviva longimanus* is a solitary bee, meaning it does not live in hives or have a worker caste like honeybees. Each female independently digs her own nest, collects her own oil, and provisions her own offspring.
explore Explore More
Similar to Rediviva longimanus
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
