Colletidae

plasterer bees, polyester bees, cellophane bees

Genus Guides

Colletes(plasterer bees)
Diphaglossinae
Hylaeus(Masked Bees)

is a of solitary bees comprising over 2,000 across 54 and five . Members are commonly called plasterer bees or polyester bees due to their distinctive nest linings: females apply oral and abdominal secretions that dry into a cellophane-like, waterproof polyester . The family exhibits exceptional diversity in Australia and South America, with over 50% of Australian species belonging to this family. Two subfamilies, Euryglossinae and Hylaeinae, uniquely lack external pollen-carrying structures (scopa) and instead transport pollen internally in their crops, feeding larvae with liquid or semiliquid pollen masses. Most species are solitary ground-nesters, though many form dense , and some exhibit activity with enlarged ocelli.

Hylaeus by (c) Amy Schnebelin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Amy Schnebelin. Used under a CC-BY license.

Colletes aestivalis by no rights reserved, uploaded by beewonder. Used under a CC0 license.

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.

Identification

Distinguished from Andrenidae (mining bees) by S-shaped second recurrent forewing (straight in Andrena) and -shaped vs. round . Separated from Halictidae (sweat bees) by wing venation and nest . Hylaeinae and Euryglossinae distinguished from by (feather-like) body hairs visible at 60× magnification—wasps have simple, unbranched hairs. Conclusive identification often requires examination of mouthparts: possess uniquely bilobed . recognized by enlarged ocelli relative to relatives.

Images

Habitat

Diverse worldwide; specific preferences vary by and . Colletes species prefer sandy soils for nesting but will use bare patches in lawns. Hylaeinae typically nest in pre-existing cavities: hollow stems, twig pith, abandoned galls, or insect burrows. Many species form dense nesting in open, sparsely vegetated ground. Pharohylaeus lactiferus restricted to tropical and subtropical rainforest edges. Some Australian Euryglossinae associated with emu-bush (Eremophila) flowers in arid zones.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with centers of diversity in Australia and South America. Over 50% of Australian are . In Europe, only Colletes and Hylaeus occur naturally. In the Western Hemisphere, Caupolicana, Eulonchopria, and Ptiloglossa join these two . North America 99+ Colletes species, with highest diversity in desert Southwest, central plains, and southern New England. Hawaiian Islands formerly hosted 60+ Hylaeus species, several now critically imperiled or possibly extinct. Pharohylaeus lactiferus to eastern Australian rainforests (Queensland, New South Wales).

Seasonality

Colletes among earliest spring-emerging bees in temperate regions and among last active in autumn. Many (one annually), either spring or fall active. Some with two generations per year. species active at dawn (matinal) or dusk (vespertine).

Diet

feed on nectar. Larvae of most develop on liquid or semiliquid pollen-nectar provisions. Colletes vary: many polylectic ( pollen foragers), others oligolectic (specialized on specific plant or ). Hylaeus species often generalist, though some specialize: H. bisinuatus apparently restricted to Melilotus alba, H. alcyoneus visits only Banksia. Euryglossinae in Australia include on emu-bush flowers with corresponding narrow- and elongated mouthpart adaptations.

Life Cycle

Solitary nesting predominant; each female constructs and provisions her own nest. Exception: Amphylaeus morosus is the only known social . Females excavate burrows (ground-nesting ) or occupy pre-existing cavities (cavity-nesting taxa). lined with polyester secretions forming waterproof, cellophane-like . Provisions liquid or semiliquid; laid, larva consumes stores, pupates within cell. Some Diphaglossinae spin cocoons.

Behavior

Nesting : females solitary but often nest in dense concentrations, creating illusion of social colonies. Males patrol nesting areas, pursue females aggressively, form mating balls. activity in some with corresponding enlarged ocelli for low-light vision. Hylaeus females transport pollen internally in crop, regurgitating at nest. Defensive behavior generally minimal; Colletes aggregations noted as non-aggressive, rarely stinging even when humans stand among active nests.

Ecological Role

of native plants and crops; importance varies by and region. Australian fauna particularly significant given 's dominance there. Some oligolectic species function as specialized pollinators with coevolved plant relationships. Ground-nesting activity contributes to soil aeration and nutrient cycling in sites.

Human Relevance

Beneficial ; Colletes sometimes perceived as threats by homeowners but are harmless and should be conserved. Hylaeus readily use artificial nest boxes (bundled straws, drilled blocks), supporting pollinator gardening initiatives. Hawaiian Hylaeus conservation concern: seven critically imperiled/possibly extinct due to , highlighting vulnerability of island pollinators. Pharohylaeus lactiferus rediscovery after century-long absence underscores need for biomonitoring and preservation. No significant negative impacts; non-aggressive, minimal stinging risk.

Similar Taxa

AndrenidaeMining bees resemble Colletes in ground-nesting and general form; distinguished by straight second recurrent wing , round , and lack of cellophane linings.
HalictidaeSweat bees overlap in size and some habits; separated by wing venation details, and Halictidae lack the distinctive polyester nest linings and bilobed .
MegachilidaeLeafcutter and mason bees share solitary cavity-nesting but use leaf pieces, mud, or resin for construction rather than cellophane-like polyester secretions.
CrabronidaeDigger wasps resemble hairless Hylaeus; distinguished by simple (unbranched) body hairs, predatory rather than pollen-feeding larvae, and lack of hairs.

More Details

Phylogenetic position

Long considered most 'primitive' extant due to bilobed resembling Crabronidae (putative ancestors); molecular studies have refuted this, placing Melittidae as basal instead.

Unique larval nutrition

Euryglossinae, Hylaeinae, and most other colletid have evolved liquid/semi-liquid pollen masses—exceptional among bees, where solid pollen balls are typical. Associated with internal pollen transport and reduced hairiness.

Conservation status

-level status secure, but regional endemics vulnerable: Hawaiian Hylaeus extinction from ants; Australian rainforest like Pharohylaeus lactiferus threatened by fragmentation and fire.