Amegilla is a large genus of bees in the tribe Anthophorini. It has been split into many subgenera, including Asaropoda, Micramegilla, Notomegilla and Zonamegilla.

Description

Amegilla are generally medium-sized to very large bees, about 10-12mm of robust form. The body and legs are hairy, and the tongue and proboscis are long. All Amegilla species burrow to make nests and they are commonly referred to as "digger bees". Several species have blue metallic bands on the abdomen and are referred to as "blue-banded bees" Bands may differ with the sex, with males having more bands than females.

Range and habitat

The genus occurs all around the world, but very few live above 45° North. Amegilla are associated with arid and subarid biomes, matorrals, steppes, sub-deserts and deserts. They also commonly occur in farmlands, especially those that border their preferred habitats. They are very fast, agile flyers, and because of this, some taxa are close to impossible to catch. This in combination with the fact that some species are known from only a few specimens means that their abundance and distribution is believed to be underestimated.

Ecology and behavior

Several Amegilla species, specifically Amegilla nigritar and Amegilla zonata, pollinate the orchid species Phalaenopsis pulcherrima. Females are adept at buzz-pollination, and some species have proven or potential value as pollinators of greenhouse tomatoes. At a glance, they may be confused with honeybees. However, they do not produce harvestable honey or live in colonies. Amegilla bees also carry their pollen between hairs on the hind legs, whereas in honeybees the hind leg has a smooth, spoon-shaped area where pollen is collected.

Selected species