Colletes compactus

Cresson, 1868

polyester bee, plasterer bee, cellophane bee

Species Guides

Colletes compactus compactus(plasterer bee)

Colletes compactus is a solitary ground-nesting in the Colletidae, native to North America. Like other members of its , it constructs subterranean burrows lined with a distinctive cellophane-like secretion produced by the , earning the "polyester bee" or "plasterer bee." The nests in in sandy soils, with females provisioning individual with a semi-liquid mixture of pollen and nectar. Males emerge before females and actively patrol nesting areas seeking mates.

Colletes compactus by no rights reserved, uploaded by Bruce Cook. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Colletes compactus: /kɒˈliːtiːz kəmˈpæktəs/

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Identification

Colletes , including C. compactus, closely resemble mining bees (Andrena) and larger sweat bees (Halictus, Lasioglossum). Definitive identification requires microscopic examination or observation of subtle characters: Colletes possess a forked, bifurcated tongue () not visible without close inspection; the forewing has three submarginal with the second recurrent distinctly S-shaped (sinuous) rather than straight as in Andrena; and the appears -shaped in frontal view versus round in Andrena. Species-level identification within Colletes generally requires expert examination and is not reliably possible from field observation alone.

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Habitat

Sandy soils with sparse vegetation, including bare patches in lawns, golf course roughs, and open ground. Requires well-drained substrate suitable for burrow excavation. Nesting may occupy the same sites year after year if soil conditions remain favorable.

Distribution

North America; confirmed records include Vermont and other parts of the United States. The occurs within the broader range of the Colletes, which exhibits highest diversity in the desert southwest, central plains, and southern New England.

Seasonality

Spring-active; emerges as one of the earliest native bees. Males emerge first (protandry), with activity concentrated during warm sunny periods in spring. Likely (one per year), though some Colletes are .

Life Cycle

Solitary lifecycle with subterranean nesting. Females excavate individual burrows up to 26 cm deep, lining with a saliva- secretion that dries to a cellophane-like, waterproof . Each cell receives a semi-liquid provision of pollen and nectar, followed by a single . Larvae develop through summer and fall, pupating to emerge the following spring. Males emerge before females and patrol nesting seeking mates.

Behavior

Nests in dense where hundreds to thousands of females may occupy small areas, creating the impression of sociality despite solitary nesting. Females excavate burrows with mouthparts, accompanied by buzzing that may aid soil loosening. Males exhibit highly aggressive mate-searching , forming "mating balls" around receptive females. Both sexes are docile and reluctant to sting; females risk reproductive failure if they sting and die. Emits a citrus-like odor (containing linalool) from a cephalic gland when handled, possibly functioning in nest-mate recognition or mate location.

Ecological Role

Native of early spring flowering plants. As a ground-nesting solitary , contributes to soil aeration through burrowing activity. Serves as for cleptoparasitic bees including Epeolus .

Human Relevance

Beneficial with no significant negative impacts. Nesting in lawns or recreational areas may cause concern due to swarming appearance, but bees are docile and stings are extremely rare. vulnerable to destruction through application, turf improvement, or loss; conservation of nesting sites supports native diversity.

Similar Taxa

Andrena (mining bees)Similar size, coloration, and ground-nesting habit; distinguished by straight second recurrent wing , round , and lack of cellophane-like lining.
Halictus and Lasioglossum (sweat bees)Overlap in size and general appearance; sweat bees often exhibit metallic coloration and have different wing venation and nesting .
Other Colletes speciesExtremely difficult to distinguish without microscopic examination; C. compactus distinguished by subtle morphological characters requiring expert identification.