The proboscis of the long-tongued Ancyloscelis bees (Anthophoridae/Apoidea), with remarks on flower visits and pollen collecting with the mouthparts

In Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, five species of Ancyloscelis bees occur. The females of A. gigas, A. ursinus and A. tuumalis are oligolectic on tristylo us flowers of Pontederiaceae. The proboscides of these females are covered ventrally with hooked hairs, which serve to collect pollen out of the long corolla. The other two species (A. fiebrigi and A. apiformis) are specializ ed on flowers of Convolvulaceae and Cactaceae. The morphology of their prob oscides and their function in pollen uptake is described.