| Melittidae | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Macropis europaea, female | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Clade: | Anthophila |
| Family: | Melittidae |
| Subfamilies | |
Melittidae is a smallbee family, with over 200 described species[1] in three subfamilies.[2] The family has a limited distribution, with all described species restricted toAfrica and the northern temperate zone.[1]
Fossil melittids have been found occasionally inEocene amber deposits, including those of Oise, France[3] and theBaltic amber.[4]
Early molecular work suggested that the family Melittidae wassister to all other bees, and also that it wasparaphyletic. Because of this finding, it was suggested that the three subfamilies of Melittidae should be elevated to family status.[5] Neither study included many melittids, due to their rarity. Later studies suggested that the family could still be monophyletic[6] and a 2013 investigation including a greater number of melittid bees further supports this.[2]
Recent research has shown that Melittids have a lower extinction rate compared to otherhymenopterans, yet this family is considered species-poor. This is attributed to a significantly lower diversification rate as seen in other bee families.[7] Danforth et al. suggests that this is because they areoligoleges, whereas other bees expresspolylecty (diverse host-plant preferences) allowing them to increase their diversification rate compared to melittids.[5]
Evidence of oil-collection behaviour has been present in melittids since the early Eocene. Amber fromOise,France provided the oldest record of Melittidae and the fourth oldest fossilized bee specimen.[8]
Melittids are typically small to moderate-sized bees, which are well known for their specialist andoligolectic foraging habits.[1]
Melittids are strictly solitary and they nest in burrows that they dig in soil or sand.[9] All females can reproduce and tend to emerge from the ground some days before the male. They generally mate on host-plants surrounding the area they have emerged. After mating, thegravid female creates a burrow where they bring pollen. On top of the pollen, one egg is laid. This is consumed by the larva over 10 days, after which the larvaoverwinters andpupates in the next year.[1]
Many melittids (such asMacropis) possess specialized morphology that allow them to collect floral oil.[1]
The following genera are classified under Melittidae:[1]
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