Amegilla rhodoscymna

Tilcayo Cats original · Amegilla · Sources and editorial assessment · Originals retention rule

Amegilla rhodoscymna is an Australian bee with reddish abdominal body surfaces in both sexes. The colour is in the outer body covering, not simply an effect of orange hairs. Cockerell described the species in 1905 from material from the Mackay district of Queensland.

Identification and names

Females have orange hind-leg pollen brushes and lack black hairs at the front of the upper abdominal plates. Males have a small round patch of orange bristles on the fourth abdominal sternite and a deep notch on the fifth.

The 2020 revision placed Anthophora rufescens, later listed as Amegilla rufescens, under A. rhodoscymna. Comparison of the male type specimen and its original description supported that decision. The paper records flower visits to Angophora costata and Xanthorrhoea, without presenting a complete diet or nesting account.