About Cape Oil-collecting Bee
A South African oil-collecting bee with extraordinarily long front legs used to extract floral oil from deep-spurred Diascia flowers. It is a solitary ground-nesting species.
Did You Know?
Its front legs can be longer than its entire body, an extreme adaptation for reaching oils at the bottom of deep flower spurs.
How to Identify Cape Oil-collecting Bee
Cape Oil-collecting Bee (Rediviva neliana) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Melittidae. Adults typically measure 10-14 mm.
Cape Oil-collecting Bee Habitat
Cape Oil-collecting Bee is found in mountains habitats, particularly across South Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Cape Oil-collecting Bee Diet and Feeding
Cape Oil-collecting Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Cape Oil-collecting Bee Found?
Cape Oil-collecting Bee can be found in South Africa, where it inhabits mountains environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Cape Oil-collecting Bee can be found
Is Cape Oil-collecting Bee Dangerous?
Cape Oil-collecting Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Cape Oil-collecting Bee Role in Nature
Cape Oil-collecting Bee plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Oil-collecting Bee
What does Cape Oil-collecting Bee look like?
The Cape Oil-collecting Bee typically measures 10-14 mm.
Where is Cape Oil-collecting Bee found?
The Cape Oil-collecting Bee is found in South Africa and typically inhabits mountains environments.
What does Cape Oil-collecting Bee eat?
The Cape Oil-collecting Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Cape Oil-collecting Bee dangerous to humans?
The Cape Oil-collecting Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
Is Cape Oil-collecting Bee endangered?
The Cape Oil-collecting Bee is currently classified as Data Deficient by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Cape Oil-collecting Bee?
Its front legs can be longer than its entire body, an extreme adaptation for reaching oils at the bottom of deep flower spurs.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Cape Oil-collecting Bee (Rediviva neliana). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/cape-oil-collecting-bee
MLA:
"Cape Oil-collecting Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/cape-oil-collecting-bee.