Tribe Osmiini

Genus Hoplitis Klug, 2 species

This genus has nonmetallic species. Both Florida species are in the subgenus Alcidamea and nest in pithy stems.

Key to females

  1. Punctures of clypeus densely crowded, usually with a slightly elevated, median ridge..Hoplitis truncata

    2. Punctures of clypeus more distinctly separated, with no median ridge..Hoplitis pilosifrons

Key to males

  1. Tergum 7 narrow, medially acute, its median length fully equal to basal width..Hoplitis pilosifrons

    2. Tergum 7 broadly rounded or truncate apically, usually quite short..Hoplitis truncata


Megachilidae: Hoplitis pilosifrons Cresson

County Records: Alachua, Baker, Columbia, Sumter

hoppil.jpg (72997 bytes)

Locations: San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park

Dates: March - June, Mitchell lists April - August for the entire range

Plants: polylectic

Notes: Photos of females, by HGH, are of specimens from Louisiana.

Female

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Male

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Megachilidae: Hoplitis truncata truncata Cresson

County Records: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Highlands, Liberty, Marion, Suwanee, Volusia

hoptru.jpg (72745 bytes)

Locations: Cassadega

Dates: March - May; Mitchell lists March - July

Plants: polylectic, Melilotus alba, Erigeron quercifolius, Berlandiera subacaulis, Meliltous officinalis

Notes: The subspecies Hoplitis truncata truncata is found in central southern Canada through eastern and southeastern United States, distinguished from suspecies Hoplitis truncata mescalerium Cockerell found in the southwestern United States. Photos, by HGH, are of specimens from Louisiana.

Female

Male