Eriglossa

/ˌɛrɪˈɡlɑsə/ noun

Definition

A genus of native bees known for their long, specialized tongues used to collect nectar from flowers.

Etymology

From Greek eri (very) + glossa (tongue). Named descriptively for the bee's characteristically long tongue structure adapted for deep flowers.

Kelly Says

These bees have absurdly long tongues—like if human tongues were stretched out so far we could drink from a straw from across the room!

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