Afranthidium (Immanthidium) repetitum

    African Carder Bee

Size
female 8 mm; male 7 mm

Identifying Characteristics
This small species is the only one with pale abdominal bands due to pigment in the cuticle. All the others have bands formed by pale hair.

Distinctive Features
The species was first detected in Brisbane in 2000, but has subsequently spread north to Bundaberg and south to Albury. It is very common in Sydney gardens. Large nests of fibrous plant materials looking like cotton-wool are found in unexpected places like electricity meter boxes.

Flower Visiting Records
Commonly seen on garden flowers, it appears to visit a wide range of plants.
Spreading rapidly from its original sighting in Brisbane, it is well established in Sydney and has been found as far south as Albury.

Taxonomy

Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hymenoptera
Family:	Megachilidae
Genus:	Afranthidium
Subgenus:	Immamthidium
Species:	repetitum