This Megachilidae bee was feeding on the flowers of Stemodia viscosa at Ellery Creek Big Hole off Larapinta Drive, Central Australia.

Hi - There are only 2 named species of Megachile (Eutricharaea) in central Australia: M. captionis and M. macularis. Here is a comparative image table showing the diagnostic characters of these two species: http://www.padil.gov.au/pollinators/Compare/Images?pests=138776+138784&characterTypes=17987+17988+17992+18010 My decision to call the species M. macularis was based on the clear definition of 6 white tomentum patches on the mesoscutum compared two the tomentum patches on M. captionis which are not well separated and more medial rather than laterally placed. I must admit also that I prefer to be "bold" and name a species when I have what I consider to be reasonable diagnostic characters. I never put too must value on colour characters whereas I do put value on morphological characters such as the placement of tomentum. Cheers Ken

Certainly a Megachile Eutricharaea species. In the field I took this species for macularis and still am reluctant to let go :), while the smaller (2/3 size) with the lilac eyes was new to me. I am surprised Ken IDed the latter as macularis!