Ptilothrix is a genus within the tribe Emphorini of the family Apidae (bumblebees, euglossines, honeybees, stingless bees). Bees of this genus can range from 7 to 15 mm (0.28 to 0.59 in). Ptilothrix species are solitary, ground-nesting bees. These bees have especially prominent hairs in the scopae of their hind legs, to help gather pollen to provision their nests. Ptilothrix species specialize on certain families of plants for their pollen, including the families Malvaceae, Convolvulaceae, Onagraceae, Cactaceae, Pontederiaceae, and Asteraceae. The genus is found in the New World, with species ranging across the Americas.
^Charles Duncan Michener, The Bees of the World, Vol. 1, Johns Hopkins University Press (2000) p. 684.
Ptilothrix bombiformis, known generally as the hibiscus bee or eastern digger bee, is a species of chimney bee in the family Apidae. It is found in Central...
Ptilothrix sumichrasti is a species of chimney bee in the family Apidae. It is found in South America. "Ptilothrix sumichrasti Report". Integrated Taxonomic...
Ptilothrix deusta is a sedge in the family Cyperaceae found in south eastern Australia. It is commonly seen in wet sandy soils in heathland, growing from...
Ptilothrix relata is a species of chimney bee in the family Apidae. It is found in South America. "Ptilothrix relata Report". Integrated Taxonomic Information...
(pollinated by insects). Bees from the tribe Emphorini of the Apidae (including Ptilothrix, Diadasia, and Melitoma) are known to specialize on the plants. A number...
to hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, including the specialized bee Ptilothrix bombiformis. The plant prefers to be grown in full sun with moist soil...
flowers are attractive to pollinators, including the specialized bee Ptilothrix bombiformis. Propagation by cuttings root easiest in early spring, but...
Schlindwein. "Experimental demonstration of alternative mating tactics of male Ptilothrix fructifera (Hymenoptera, Apidae)." Animal Behaviour 80.2 (2010): 241-247...
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