masked bee
Each tergum, except, the first has a gradulus which is usually hidden beneath the tergum in front. In Meroglossa species the gradulus of tergum 2 is not hidden. (The plural of tergum is terga.)
The propodeum is the section of the body immediately in front of the constriction. The shiny upper surface is the area that is diagnostic for females of Meroglossa impressifrons
Meroglossa impressifrons
Size
Identifying Characteristics
A moderately large species with yellow marking on the back. Both sexes are readily identified by the face marks
Distinctive Features
The dorsal surface of the propodeum of the female is polished with a small number of well-separated pits. She also has the gradulus of tergum 2 exposed. The male has deep depressions between the eyes and the antennal sockets.
Flower Visiting Records
| Acacia buxifolia | Amyema spp. | Angophora spp. |
| Callistemon sp. | Corymbia gummifera | Eucalyptus spp. |
| Jacksonia scoparia | Leptospermum sp. | Rosa sp. |
| Xanthorrhoea spp. |
Taxonomy
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Colletidae |
| Genus: | Meroglossa |
| Subgenus: | |
| Species: | impressifrons |