Cellophane, Plasterer, Masked, and Allied Bees

Colletidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Colletidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Colletidae: //kɒˈlɛtɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Prosopis tridens by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Prosopis leai by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Hylaeus atromicans by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pachyprosopis angophorae by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Euryglossa furcifera by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

The Colletidae family, known as plasterer bees or polyester bees, comprises over 2000 species that are predominantly solitary but may nest in groups. They are characterized by unique nesting behaviors involving the secretion of a cellophane-like lining in their nests, and their distribution is particularly rich in South America and Australia.

Physical Characteristics

The Colletidae family has a bilobed glossa which is a unique mouthpart feature among bees. The outer structure is typically smooth and their bodies may vary in color and size, featuring well-developed eyes, particularly in crepuscular species with enlarged ocelli.

Identification Tips

Look for bees that lack an external pollen-carrying apparatus (scopa), particularly in the subfamilies Euryglossinae and Hylaeinae. Plasterer bees will often be in aggregations and are known for their smooth, cellophane-like nest linings.

Habitat

Colletidae are found in a variety of habitats worldwide, notably in South America and Australia where they frequently nest in the ground, often in sandy or loose soil.

Distribution

Over 2000 species globally, with a significant number found in South America and Australia. Genera such as Colletes and Hylaeus are present in Europe, while genera like Caupolicana and Eulonchopria are found in the Western Hemisphere.

Diet

Adult Colletidae primarily feed on nectar and pollen from blooming plants

Life Cycle

Most species are solitary, laying eggs in individual nests. The larvae develop on liquid or semiliquid pollen masses provided by the mother.

Reproduction

Reproduction typically involves solitary nesting behaviors, with females provisioning their nests with pollen and nectar for the developing larvae.

Ecosystem Role

Colletidae play a vital role in pollination in various ecosystems, influencing plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Collecting Methods

Trap collection during foraging periods
Netting individuals during flight
Nest excavation and observation

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation for molecular studies
Pinning and drying for entomological collections

Evolution

Previously considered the most primitive family of bees based on mouthpart structure, however, recent molecular studies suggest that Melittidae (sensu lato) is the basal group of bees.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with other bee families due to the lack of pollen-carrying structures; misunderstanding their solitary nature since many nest in aggregations.