Longhorn Bees

Genus Melissoptila

Melissoptila is a genus within the tribe Eucerini, commonly known as long-horned bees due to the notably elongated antennae of the males. This genus is part of the family Apidae and comprises species primarily distributed in the Neotropical region, including parts of South and Central America. Melissoptila bees are solitary ground nesters. Females excavate nests in the soil, creating individual brood cells where they deposit eggs along with a supply of pollen and nectar to nourish the developing larvae.