Melittid bees
Scientific name: Melittidae
Melittid bees
Scientific name: Melittidae
Description
Unlike their well-known relatives who primarily feast on nectar and pollen, Melittidae specialize in gathering oils from specific types of flowers. This adaptation illustrates a remarkable example of co-evolution, as these flowers have evolved special structures to accommodate the bees' unique dietary needs. These bees’ contribution to pollination, often overshadowed by their more famous counterparts, is crucial not just for the survival of specific plants, but for entire ecosystems.