• Family: Melittidae
• Approximate # species in region: 3
• Common name: loosestrife bees

Macropis are bees that few beewatchers bump into incidentally – an encounter with this genus is usually a result of careful and targeted searching on or near their loosestrife (Lysimachia) host plants. Unlike most plants visited by bees, Lysimachia flowers contain no nectar – they instead produce oils, which Macropis diligently collect (along with pollen) and use to provision nest cells for their offspring. Since Lysimachia lacks nectar, Macropis must search for this energy source elsewhere. Dogbanes (Apocynum) are a favorite nectar plant. Indeed, in our experience, it is often easier to find and observe Macropis on Apocynum adjacent to a Lysimachia patch than on the Lysimachia itself!

Both sexes are stocky little black bees that are not readily confused with other genera. Especially on females, their wide hind basitarsi contrast with the narrow tarsal segments and give the impression of bell-bottoms. Males have distinctive yellow patterns on their faces that are helpful in species identification.

Regional Species List: