Melecta albifrons

[Rambling Rob]

Hello,

About this time last year eucera identified a black bee for me, from a poor photo, as Melecta albifrons - a cuckoo bee which lays eggs in the nests of Anthophora plumipes.

This afternoon a number of the same (I think) species were on the wing, and occasionally settled, in the same location on cliffs near Sandown, IoW and I grabbed a clearer shot. Being so dark I think it is a female.

It's pleasing to see the bees continuing to thrive in the same spot.

Thanks for looking, Rob

[Geoff F]

I would say no, Rob. M. albifrons, as it's name suggests, has a noticeable white haired face, as well as white elsewhere.

But what that particular specimen is called will require someone considerably cleverer than me!

[Rambling Rob]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

I would say no, Rob. M. albifrons, as it's name suggests, has a noticeable white haired face, as well as white elsewhere.

But what that particular specimen is called will require someone considerably cleverer than me!

Thanks Geoff,

although I have heard there is a dark form of the female without such prominent white bits.

I'll stay tuned, Rob

[eucera]

This is, without doubt a female M. albrifrons. The British specimens are often very dark indeed, especially the females, with the white abdominal patches reduced to tiny white dots, or, in some cases, absent altogether.

The male has pale hairs on the face. In Mediterranean Europe, the colour form albovaria occurs which has enlarged white panels on the abdomen, and much resembles M. luctuosa

[Geoff F]

Another note to be written in my identification book then. It shows a very white specimen with matching description.

It's a pity that there isn't any absolute literature for these species.