description Hoplitis anthocopoides Overview
Hoplitis anthocopoides is a solitary mason bee in the family Megachilidae, native to Europe and introduced into North America. It is closely associated with viper's bugloss and related plants, from which females gather pollen and material for nest construction. Instead of nesting in a deep cavity, the female builds exposed brood cells on rocks or other hard surfaces using chewed leaf material and mineral particles.
help Hoplitis anthocopoides FAQ
What kind of bee is Hoplitis anthocopoides?
Hoplitis anthocopoides is a solitary mason bee in the family Megachilidae. It is native to Europe and has also been introduced into North America.
Which plant is Hoplitis anthocopoides closely associated with?
Females are closely associated with viper's bugloss and related plants when collecting pollen. Viper's bugloss is commonly known as Echium vulgare.
Does Hoplitis anthocopoides live in a honeybee-style hive?
No, it is a solitary bee rather than a colony-forming honeybee. Each female gathers pollen and nest-building material and provisions her own nest.
Why is Hoplitis anthocopoides called a mason bee?
The mason-bee label refers to the use of gathered material to construct or partition nest cells. Hoplitis anthocopoides therefore builds individual nests instead of maintaining a shared hive.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
