Hylaeus kuakea is a species of bee that is endemic to Hawaii and known from only two populations.[2] In September 2016, H. kuakea and six other Hawaiian yellow-faced bee 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 | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Colletidae |
| Genus: | Hylaeus |
| Species: | H. kuakea
|
| Binomial name | |
| Hylaeus kuakea | |
Description edit
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 edit
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 edit
- ^ "Hylaeus kuakea". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved Oct 11, 2016.
- ^ a b c "Hylaeus kuakea Species Assessment" (PDF). Environmental Conservation Online System. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Jun 19, 2014. Retrieved Oct 11, 2016.
- ^ "Hawaiian yellow-faced bees". Xerces Society. Archived from the original on March 8, 2018. Retrieved Oct 1, 2016.
- ^ Jones, Caleb (Sep 30, 2016). "Feds list 7 Hawaii bee species as endangered, a first in US". Associated Press. Archived from the original on October 1, 2016. Retrieved Oct 1, 2016.