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Bees of Zihuatanejo

EPIFAMILY ANTHOPHILA

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

-Insects (Class Insecta)

-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)

-Ants, Bees, Wasps, and Sawflies (Order Hymenoptera)

-Narrow-waisted Wasps, Ants, and Bees (Suborder Apocrita)

-Ants, Bees, and Stinging Wasps (Infraorder Aculeata)

-Bees and Apoid Wasps (Superfamily Apoidea)

-Bees (Epifamily Anthophila)

-​Honey Bees, Bumble Bees, and Allies (Family Apidae)

-Apine Bees (Subfamily Apinae)​

-Tribe Centridini

-Oil-Diggers (Genus Centris)


Centris bees are solitary and do not form colonies. They typically nest in the ground or in decayed wood, excavating tunnels where they lay their eggs. Some species may also nest in pre-existing cavities made by other insects. Oil-digger bees are excellent foragers, known for their ability to collect pollen and nectar from a variety of flowering plants. They are particularly attracted to certain oil-producing plants, which are crucial for their reproduction and survival.



Oil-Digger Bees

Centris (Genus)

Range

  • The genus Centris is distributed from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and throughout South America to Argentina.

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

  • Greatest diversity occurs in tropical and subtropical regions.

Habitat

  • Inhabits tropical dry forests, tropical rainforests, thorn scrub, woodland edges, secondary forests, orchards, gardens, coastal scrub, and agricultural areas.

  • Most species nest in soil, although some nest in rotting wood, hollow stems, or existing cavities.

  • Commonly found wherever flowering plants are abundant.

Behaviour

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

  • Active during the day, visiting flowers to collect pollen, nectar, and, in many species, floral oils using specialized brushes on their legs.

  • Floral oils are mixed with pollen to feed larvae and are also used to line and waterproof brood cells.

  • Strong, fast fliers that are among the most important native pollinators of many tropical plants.

Size

  • Body length: 10–25 mm (0.4–1.0 in), depending on the species.

  • Females are generally larger and more robust than males.

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