Colletes hyalinus gaudialis

Cockerell, 1905

polyester bee, plasterer bee, cellophane bee

Colletes hyalinus gaudialis is a of polyester bee in the Colletidae. Like other members of its , females construct solitary underground nests lined with a cellophane-like secretion from the . This waterproof coating protects the semi-liquid pollen and nectar provisions for developing larvae. The subspecies is found in North America and shares the general of other Colletes .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Colletes hyalinus gaudialis: /kəˈliːtiːz haɪˈalɪnəs ɡɔːdˈjɑːlɪs/

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

Identification

Identification to level requires microscopic examination. As a member of Colletes, this subspecies possesses the diagnostic forked (bifurcated tongue) visible when extended. The forewing shows three submarginal with a distinctly sinuous (S-shaped) second recurrent —unlike the straighter vein in Andrena mining bees. The appears -shaped in frontal view, contrasting with the rounder face of Andrena. Males have longer than females and lack the pollen-collecting scopa on the hind legs.

Habitat

Sandy soils with thin vegetation in sunny locations. Nests in bare patches in lawns, golf course roughs, and other open ground with sparse turf cover.

Distribution

North America.

Seasonality

Spring to autumn activity; timing varies with latitude and local conditions. Some Colletes show patterns (two per year), others (one generation).

Life Cycle

Solitary nesting: each female excavates her own burrow up to 26 cm deep. She lines with a saliva- secretion that dries into a cellophane-like, waterproof . Each cell receives a single and is provisioned with semi-liquid nectar and pollen. Larvae develop through summer and fall, pupating to emerge the following year.

Behavior

Females excavate burrows with mouthparts, accompanied by buzzing that may loosen soil particles. Large nesting occur where soil conditions are favorable, though each female maintains an individual nest. Males emerge first (protandry), patrol nesting areas at low height seeking females, and form mating balls around emerging females. Males frequently land on ground in nesting areas. The bees emit a citrus-like odor from a cephalic gland when handled; this contains linalool and may function in nest-finding, foraging, or mate location. Extremely docile; females rarely sting as this would compromise reproductive success.

Ecological Role

Native of early spring and late autumn flowering plants.

Human Relevance

Beneficial . Large may alarm homeowners but pose no sting hazard. vulnerable to application and turf densification; conservation of nesting sites supports native diversity.

Similar Taxa

  • Andrena (mining bees)Similar size and ground-nesting habit; distinguished by rounder in frontal view and straighter second recurrent wing .
  • Halictus and Lasioglossum (sweat bees)Similar size and sometimes metallic coloration; distinguished by wing venation and mouthpart structure.

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Sources and further reading