Range

• Native to Mexico and Central America.

• In Mexico, it occurs along the Pacific slope, including Guerrero, as well as parts of southern Mexico.

• Found throughout suitable habitats in the Zihuatanejo region, extending south through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.

Habitat

• Inhabits tropical dry forests, tropical semi-deciduous forests, tropical rainforests, woodland edges, secondary forests, orchards, and flowering gardens.

• Females typically nest in tree cavities, hollow logs, abandoned burrows, or other sheltered cavities, constructing brood cells from wax, resin, and plant fibres.

• Adults are most abundant in areas with a rich diversity of flowering plants.

Behaviour

• Solitary, with each female building and provisioning her own nest.

• Active during the day, visiting flowers to collect nectar and pollen.

• Males gather fragrant compounds from orchids and many other flowers, storing them in specialized hind-leg chambers.

• These perfumes are released during courtship displays to attract females.

• Strong, fast fliers capable of travelling several kilometres while foraging.

Size

• Body length: 18–25 mm (0.7–1.0 in)

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