Hylaeus (Macrohylaeus) alcyoneus

    

Size
female 10.5 mm; male 12 mm

Identifying Characteristics
The only moderately sized bee with these face markings and a metallic blue abdomen.

Distinctive Features
When the male is larger than the female, it is usually an indication that the male is territorial and fights to defend his territory. The larger the male, the more prominent are the spines under his abdomen.

Flower Visiting Records

In most areas, particularly in Western Australia, this species is found on Banksia species. In eastern Australia it has also been found on Angophora, Callistemon, Lambertia formosa and Leptospermum.

Taxonomy

Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hymenoptera
Family:	Colletidae
Genus:	Hylaeus
Subgenus:	Macrohylaeus
Species:	alcyoneus