Macrotera portalis

Description

Macrotera portalis is a species of communal, ground nesting, partially bivoltine bees found in arid grasslands and desert regions. An oligolectic bee, M. portalis gathers pollen only from plants in the genus Sphaeralcea and contains unique emergence characteristics. It is predicted that M. portalis has a patient technique of emergence to survive through the harsh conditions of the desert, resorting to bet hedging and timing emergence following the rainy season.