Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Xylocopa vidua; Xylocopa purpurea
Explanation of Names
Species name is Latin, meaning shining.
(1)Identification
Male similar to the more widespread X. virginica, but male has more purple abdomen. Female all black and with purple body. Restricted to southeastern US.
Range
Southeastern Virginia south to Florida, west to Texas, and south to Guatemala. Seems to be restricted to coastal plain in southeastern United States.
Season
March-August, sometimes later into fall (North Carolina)
Life Cycle
Similar, apparently, to the more well-known X. virginica.
Print References
Gordh, p. 578, gives meaning of
micans.
(1)
Brimley, p. 461, gives season in North Carolina.
(2)
Arnett and Jacques, #305
(4)Internet References
Univ. of Florida describes life history, range and identification of the two eastern species, X. virginica and X. micans.
Univ. Florida--PDF fact sheet, like above.
Discover Life--specimen photos
Discover Life --information
Pollinator.com--photo from South Carolina
