Genus Megachile

Subgenus Chelostomoides Robertson, 4 species

These bees do not use leaves to construct their nest but use resin, mud, or other materials. Of the four species recorded for Florida, M. georgica is the most common and widespread species, ranging from the northern counties to the Florida Keys.

Key to females of Megachile (Chelostomoides)

Clypeus much modified, produced and deeply excavated....M.rugifrons
Clypeus less modified, flattened, either entire apically or dentate or emarginate....2

Clypeal margin entire, neither denticulate nor emarginate....M. georgica

Clypeal margin either denticulate, tuberculate, or emarginate....3

Clypeal margin with a median denticule....M. exilis parexilis

Clypeal margin emarginate medially, with no indication of a median denticle....M. campanulae

Note: usually with two denticles flanking the median emargination

Key to males of Chelostomoides

Mandible without an inferior projection....M. rugifrons

Mandible with a definite inferior projection ....2

Front tarsi dark, only slightly dilated and flattenend....M. campanulae

Front tarsi ferruginous, at least the basal joints distinctly dilated and flattened....3

Front coxae with well-developed, though short, spines....M.georgica

Front coxal spines reduced to minute tubercles ....M. exilis parexilis

Note: M. georgica and M. rugifrons have oblique lines of tomentum on the anterior scutum lacking on M. campanulae and M. exilis. Males of each species have distinctive forelegs, see photos.

Megachilidae: Megachile campanulae (Robertson) (Includes M. campanulae campanulae (Robertson) and M. campanulae wilmingtoni Mitchell)

County Records: M. campanulae wilmingtoni is the subspecies found in Florida: Alachua, St. Johns, Miami-Dade

Locations: Gainesville (San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park), Crescent City

Dates: Feb.-Nov

Plants: Polylectic, often on legumes or composites

Notes: Subspecies wilmingtoni is the southeastern coastal form of M. campanulae. Nests in borings in wood. The female of M. campanulae campanulae is smaller than M. campanulae wilmingtoni (10-11 mm vs. 11-12 mm), has entirely pale pubescence on the sixth tergum vs. whitish and short erect black hairs; and has lightly infuscated wings vs. deeply infuscated wings. Males can be separated on the basis of size and wing infuscation, similar to females.

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Male

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Megachilidae: Megachile exilis parexilis Mitchell

County Records: Alachua, Highlands

Locations: Gainesville, Archbold Biological Station

Dates: March-October

Plants: Polylectic, primarily legumes

Notes: Nests in borings. Primarily a southeastern species.

Female

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Male

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Megachilidae: Megachile georgica Cresson

County Records: Alachua, Putnam, Levy, Highlands, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Volusia, Leon, Wakulla (Probably throughout)

Locations: Gainesville (Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, Austin Cary Forest), Goethe State Forest, Ordway-Swisher Biological Station, Archbold Biological Station, Hollywood, No Name Key, Titusville, Miami

Dates: March-November

Plants: Polylectic, primarily legumes

Notes: Nests in borings. Primarily a southeastern species.