Bee 09856e08,m, thailand, face
Ctenoplectra, Unknown Blue-tailed Oil Mopping Bee, collected in Thailand by the Thailand Inventory Group for Entomological Research
Another Oil Mopping Bee, this an Asian one from Thailand rather than from Africa . Here is a good shot of the large scraper or comb this female has on her hind tibia. This comb is used after visiting flowers to remove floral oils that collect in specialized hairs located on the underside of the bee’s abdomen. In addition to the unusual oil-collecting modifications, this genus has been difficult to classify because of its tongue . As we have seen, bees can be broadly classified into Long- and Short-Tongued families based upon details of the structure of the mouthparts (not simply how long they are). Ctenoplectra has the short-tongued morphology, but has other characteristics that seem to suggest that it is actually more closely related to Long-tongued bees. So different is this genus from all other bees in the world that at one point it was placed in its own family. However, detailed study of morphology and molecules revealed its true affinities and the genus was moved into the family Apidae which contains many other genera of bees.
Further in Summer than the Birds
Pathetic from the Grass
A minor Nation celebrates
Its unobtrusive Mass.
No Ordinance be seen
So gradual the Grace
A pensive Custom it becomes
Enlarging Loneliness.
Antiquest felt at Noon
When August burning low
Arise this spectral Canticle
Repose to typify
Remit as yet no Grace
No Furrow on the Glow
Yet a Druidic Difference
Enhances Nature now
-- Emily Dickinson. Original public domain image from Flickr