Explanation of Names
Named after the type genus, Eucera, which itself comes from the Greek prefix eu- (ευ-)= "good-, well-" + Greek keras (κερας)- "horn", together meaning "well-horned". This refers to the large antennae of the males
Identification
Hairy bees, typically with pale hair bands on the metasoma. Males typically have very long antennae. According to the site linked below, "two distinguishing characteristics are the following: the Eucerini have long paraglossae [lobes at the outer edges of the tip of the lower mouthparts] that reach the base of the labial palpus. They also have parocular carina [ridges on the outside portion of the eye area]."
Life Cycle
Nesting is in the ground for all species. Known nests are vertical burrows in flat ground.
Internet References
American Museum of Natural History Key to the tribe Eucerini of North and central America. 1957
