Melitoma taurea emerges in Alachua County in mid-May and remains through at least mid-June.  It appears on purple morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea),  man of the earth (locally called potato vine) (Ipomoea pandurata) and Cirsium.  The bee shown below was one of dozens of males occupying an area overgrown with purple morning glory, on the road shoulder of a busy urban avenue.

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Male and female Melitoma taurea can be told apart at a glance by the following:  females have three well-defined tergal bands (on T2-T4).  Males have 4 well-defined tergal bands (T2-T5), as well as a narrow apical band on T6, and long white hairs on T7.  Females' legs are slightly long, while males' are conspicuously long.  Niether males nor females have very long antennae.

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