The subgenus Fidelia specializes on the Aizoaceae subfamily Mesembryanthemoidea (Whitehead 1984). Members of Fidelia may be specialized on Rosaceae, Zygophyllaceae, Aizoaceae, Pedaliceae, Asteraceae, and Convolvulaceae (Whitehead 1984 Engel 2004). Species within Fidelia are often specialized, although specific pollen preferences vary by species. The hind basitarsi of Neofidelia are parallel-sided, which differs from those of Fidelia that have basitarsi that taper toward the apex (Michener 2007). Neofidelia males have enlarged and modified basitarsi that form two large talons, while the basitarsi of Fidelia are not modified. Female hind basitarsus broadest at the base and tapering toward the apex.įidelia is similar to Neofidelia however, both sexes can be distinguished by the characters of the hind basitarsus.

Male hind basitarsus not enlarged or modified (when compared to Neofidelia).

Forewings are hairless with three submarginal cells.

Clypeus separated from antennal bases by less than the diameter of the antennal socket.

Diversity Fidelia contains 12 species in 4 subgenera worldwide (Michener 2007) none are known to occur in the U.S. Pollen is carried with the scopa on the ventral surface of the abdomen as in most Megachilidae (Michener 2007). The basitarsi and tibia bear long hairs that resemble scopa however, the setae are not used for pollen gathering and instead assist in throwing loosened substrates out of the burrow during nest construction. They have an overall pale appearance due to the dense, long, and light-colored hairs that cover the body (Michener 2007). The integument of the body is black, with some species having yellow on the clypeus of both sexes and T6 of females. Subgenera: Fidelia, Fideliana, Fideliopsis, Parafideliaįidelia are robust bees that can range in body length from 12–23 mm (Michener 2007).

Fidelia virelas