Macropis

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Macropis is a small, rare genus of bees in the Melittidae family. They are linked to yellow loosestrife plants in the Lysimachia genus. Adults are about 15 mm or smaller and are mostly black. Males have noticeable yellow markings on the head, while females have specially adapted, very hairy rear legs for collecting flower oils. Their wings have only two submarginal cells, which is unusual for Melittidae.

Macropis bees are solitary and nest in the ground. Most species collect both pollen and flower oils from Lysimachia flowers (they are oligolectic). They produce one generation per year. Males emerge in spring and wait near host flowers for females. After mating, females dig a ground nest with one or two brood rooms where pollen is stored for the eggs. The larvae feed on this pollen, develop quickly, and become pupae within about 10 days, spending the winter as pupae. Nests are often parasitized by cleptoparasitic bees such as Epeoloides.