Range

• The genus Ancyloscelis is distributed from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, and much of South America.

• Numerous species occur throughout Mexico, including the Pacific coast of Guerrero and the Zihuatanejo region.

• Most species are found in warm, seasonally dry habitats.

Habitat

• Inhabits tropical dry forests, thorn scrub, grasslands, woodland edges, coastal scrub, agricultural fields, gardens, and open forest clearings.

• Nests in burrows excavated in sandy or well-drained soil, often in sunny, sparsely vegetated areas.

• Frequently visits flowering plants in open habitats.

Behaviour

• Solitary, with each female constructing and provisioning her own nest rather than living in a colony.

• Active primarily during the day, visiting flowers to collect pollen and nectar before returning to the nest.

• Many species are specialist pollinators, showing a preference for particular groups of flowering plants.

• Females line brood cells with pollen and nectar, lay a single egg in each cell, then seal the chamber before beginning another.

• Generally non-aggressive and sting only if handled or trapped.

Size

• Body length: 8–15 mm (0.3–0.6 in), depending on the species.

• Females are typically slightly larger and more robust than males.