About Desert Large-headed Bee
A dark-bodied, heat-tolerant bee found in arid inland Australia. It forages during the hottest parts of the day when most other bees are inactive.
Did You Know?
It can remain active in ambient temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius that would ground most other bee species.
How to Identify Desert Large-headed Bee
Desert Large-headed Bee (Ctenocolletes nigricans) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Stenotritidae. Adults typically measure 11-15 mm.
Desert Large-headed Bee Habitat
Desert Large-headed Bee is found in deserts & drylands habitats, particularly across Central and Western Australia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Desert Large-headed Bee Diet and Feeding
Desert Large-headed 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 Desert Large-headed Bee Found?
Desert Large-headed Bee can be found in Central and Western Australia, where it inhabits deserts & drylands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Desert Large-headed Bee can be found
Is Desert Large-headed Bee Dangerous?
Desert Large-headed 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.
Desert Large-headed Bee Role in Nature
Desert Large-headed 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 Desert Large-headed Bee
What does Desert Large-headed Bee look like?
The Desert Large-headed Bee typically measures 11-15 mm.
Where is Desert Large-headed Bee found?
The Desert Large-headed Bee is found in Central and Western Australia and typically inhabits deserts & drylands environments.
What does Desert Large-headed Bee eat?
The Desert Large-headed Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Desert Large-headed Bee dangerous to humans?
The Desert Large-headed Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
Is Desert Large-headed Bee endangered?
The Desert Large-headed 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 Desert Large-headed Bee?
It can remain active in ambient temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius that would ground most other bee species.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Desert Large-headed Bee (Ctenocolletes nigricans). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/desert-large-headed-bee
MLA:
"Desert Large-headed Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/desert-large-headed-bee.