About Centris pallida Fox, 1899
This species of bee, Centris pallida Fox, 1899, has a black body. Its dorsal side is densely covered in grey fur, or pubescence, while the fur on the thorax has a slight yellow tint. The legs bear a mix of black and reddish fur, and the ventral side is covered in brownish or dark yellow fur. Its wings are mostly transparent, with visible black veins running through them. Males and females of this species are similar in size, measuring around 16 to 17 millimeters long. Males have more yellow-colored eyes and lighter fur on the thorax. Females have more green-colored eyes, and their thorax fur is more brown than grey. Centris pallida inhabits dry, hot environments across North America, and can be specifically found in Arizona, Nevada, southern California, New Mexico, and western Mexico. It is a very common bee, especially in Arizona, so it is classified as Least Concern for conservation status. The combination of its fur and dark exoskeleton helps these bees survive cold desert nights. During the daytime, Centris pallida is almost completely inactive, and stays hidden in shade or in burrows to avoid overheating.
