Andrenidae: 'Dorsal Hair Fringe'

[Jason Green]

Afternoon all,

What exactly is the tibial, dorsal hair fringe? Is this relating to the colour of the leading-edge of the tibia laterally to the join of hairs (perhaps as an outline surrounding a translucent-orange colour), or the colour of the hairs themselves - either basally, or concolourously?

Thanks!

Take care,

Jason

[Matt Smith]

It is the colour of the hairs. The "dorsal hair fringe" refers to the hairs on the upper edge of the hind tibia (ie the "pollen basket" hairs) that one can see of one looks directly at the tibia from the side - these extend above the narrow edge of the tibia forming a "fringe" of hairs along the edge.

[Jason Green]

Thanks Matt!