Leioproctus fulvescens

Description

Leioproctus fulvescens is a species of bee native to the South Island of New Zealand. Adults are about 10 mm long with dense characteristically yellow to orange-brown hair; this feature distinguishes them from other New Zealand Leioproctus species, which have white to cream hairs. The bees fly primarily in the spring and summer, with the majority of individuals between November to March, though some have been observed as early as September. The bees nest underground in a variety of soil types, including beach sand, salt flats, dry river banks, clay, garden soil, and compacted dirt and shingle roads; nearly any soil type appears to be used so long as it is on relatively free of vegetation, has a relatively low level of moisture and a sunny aspect. Females prefer to build their nest tunnels in slightly sloping ground, and dig the main shaft anywhere from 100-500mm into the ground. Along the tunnel, there are often a number of side branches, each terminating in a single oval nesting chamber. The chamber is lined with a cellophane-like substance which reduces the amount of moisture that can enter the cell, providing a protective chamber for the larvae to develop. Each chamber is provisioned with a ball of pollen and nectar, on top of which a single egg is laid. Once completed, the chamber is sealed up with packed earth. Females forage mainly on plants in the family Asteraceae, such as Gentiana corymbifera (snow gentian), Raoulia, and some of the white flowered hebes such as Hebe subalpina. They have also been observed foraging on introduced asters, such as yarrow and Canada thistle.