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Photo#257858
Hesperapis - female
Copyright © 2009 Hartmut Wisch

Hesperapis - Female

Anza Borrego State Park , San Diego County, California, USA
March 10, 2009
Nectaring in Cryptantha. Would she also use the pollen from these flowers, or visit others?
I think this is a Hesperapis female based on wing venation, the reduced scopal hairs, and the somewhat flatter abdomen.
I'd appreciate corrections, or more information.
tag · login or register to post comments
Contributed by Hartmut Wisch on 11 March, 2009 - 6:37pm
Last updated 14 March, 2009 - 2:32am

Comments

Definitely a Hesperapis female
Several Hesperapis species are known to visit Cryptantha, including Hesperapis wilmattae Cockerell, 1933 (type locality Borrego), but I don't think they are equipped to collect pollen from this plant.

I do not know this species, but it does not appear to be wilmattae (hairs of scutum long vs. mostly short and appressed in wilmattae).
… John S. Ascher, 12 March, 2009 - 5:11pm login or register to post comments

 
Thanks, John -
I noticed that they also briefly stopped in Camissonia claviformis ssp. peirsonii, which is light yellow. They quickly went from flower to flower but never stopped long enough to get a good photo.
P.S. The pollen may have been gathered from nearby Camissonia, and both males and females used the Cryptantha only for nectar?
Something to look at coming spring.
… Hartmut Wisch, 12 March, 2009 - 5:34pm login or register to post comments

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