Dasypodainae

Subfamily of bees

Overview

Dasypodainae is a subfamily of bees within the family Melittidae. This subfamily is characterized by its members' unique adaptations for pollen collection and their solitary nesting behaviors. The bees in this subfamily are commonly referred to as "pollen bees" due to their specialized pollen-carrying structures.

Morphology

Members of the Dasypodainae subfamily exhibit distinct morphological features that aid in their pollen-collecting activities. They possess long, dense hairs on their hind legs, known as scopa, which are used to transport pollen. The body size of these bees can vary, but they generally have robust bodies adapted for efficient foraging.

Behavior

Dasypodainae bees are solitary, meaning each female constructs and provisions her own nest without the assistance of other bees. They typically nest in the ground, digging burrows where they lay their eggs. Each burrow contains several cells, each provisioned with pollen and nectar to feed the developing larvae.

Distribution

The Dasypodainae subfamily is primarily found in the Palearctic region, with species distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They inhabit a variety of environments, from grasslands to forest edges, where they forage on a wide range of flowering plants.

Ecological Role

As pollinators, Dasypodainae bees play a crucial role in the ecosystems they inhabit. They are important for the pollination of many wild plants and some agricultural crops. Their foraging activities help maintain plant biodiversity and contribute to the productivity of natural and agricultural systems.

Species

The subfamily Dasypodainae includes several genera, with Dasypoda being one of the most well-known. Dasypoda altercator, depicted in the image, is a representative species known for its distinctive pollen-collecting behavior.

Conservation

Like many bee species, members of the Dasypodainae subfamily face threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Conservation efforts are important to preserve their populations and the ecological services they provide.

Related pages

• Bee
• Pollination
• Melittidae
• Hymenoptera