Hylaeus kuakea

Hylaeus kuakea is a species of bee, also known by the common name Hawaiian yellow-faced bee.[2] It is endemic to Hawaii and known from only two populations.[2] In September 2016, H. kuakea and six other Hawaiian Hylaeus species[3] were listed for protection under the United States Endangered Species Act. This marked a first listing for any bee species in the US.[4]

Hylaeus kuakea

Endangered (ESA)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Colletidae
Genus: Hylaeus
Species:
H. kuakea
Binomial name
Hylaeus kuakea
Magnacca & Daly, 2003[1]

Description

Hylaeus kuakea is small and colored black. Its wings have a somewhat smoky color. While it has some facial markings similar to some other Hylaeus species, H. kuakea is distinguished by an ivory-colored marking covering its lower face. These characteristics have been observed in male specimens, females have not yet been collected or observed.[2]

Distribution and habitat

Hylaeus kuakea is currently known only from two patches of lowland forest in the Waianae Mountains on Oahu. Threats to the species include habitat degradation by nonnative animals and plants, predation by nonnative insects, fires and climate change.[2]

References
  1. "Hylaeus kuakea". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved Oct 11, 2016.
  2. "Hylaeus kuakea Species Assessment" (PDF). Environmental Conservation Online System. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Jun 19, 2014. Retrieved Oct 11, 2016.
  3. "Hawaiian yellow-faced bees". Xerces Society. Retrieved Oct 1, 2016.
  4. Jones, Caleb (Sep 30, 2016). "Feds list 7 Hawaii bee species as endangered, a first in US". Associated Press. Retrieved Oct 1, 2016.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.