Colletes inaequalis

Say, 1837

Unequal Cellophane Bee, Plasterer Bee, Polyester Bee

Colletes inaequalis is a , ground-nesting solitary and one of the earliest to emerge in North spring. Males emerge approximately two weeks before females and nesting sites seeking mates. Females construct individual underground burrows in sandy soils, lining with a polyester secretion from abdominal glands that creates a waterproof, cellophane-like coating. The exhibits strong site fidelity, with offspring often nesting near parental sites. It is polylectic, visiting early spring flowering trees including Eastern Redbud, maple, willow, and apple.

Colletes inaequalis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Colletes inaequalis: /kəˈliːtiːz ˌɪniːˈkwɑːlɪs/

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Identification

Distinguished from similar Colletes by its early spring period and association with specific plants. Males are noticeably smaller than females. When handled, emits a distinctive citrus-like odor from gland secretions containing linalool. Nests can be identified by the cellophane-like lining visible in excavated . may contain several burrows per square meter in suitable .

Images

Habitat

Ground-nesting in bare or thinly vegetated sandy soils. Nests constructed in open, sunny locations including lawns, parks, golf courses, and forest edges. Burrow depths range from 7–39 cm, with records to 86 cm. Requires well-drained soils; does not create thin turf but colonizes naturally sparse vegetation.

Distribution

Eastern United States and adjacent southern Canada. Western limit approximately Kansas; northern records extend to Saskatchewan.

Seasonality

activity confined to early spring. Males emerge first, often when snow may still be present and before floral resources are consistently available. Adult activity ceases by early summer.

Diet

Polylectic ; collects pollen and nectar from early spring flowering trees. Documented visits to Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), maple (Acer spp.), willow (Salix spp.), and apple (Malus spp.).

Host Associations

Tricrania sanguinipennis - () attach to male , transfer to females during mating, and consume bee and pollen stores in nest

Life Cycle

with one annually. develop through summer and fall, entering prepupal stage. stage uncertain but likely as within sealed . Six larval with in Tricrania sanguinipennis.

Behavior

Protandrous with males appearing approximately two weeks before females. Males nesting sites, investigate potential emergence sites, and compete for access to females. Females dig burrows using mouthparts, accompanied by buzzing that may loosen soil particles. Strong philopatry with site fidelity across . Docile and reluctant to ; females risk reproductive failure if they sting and die.

Ecological Role

early-season of wild plants and economically important including apples and blueberries. Provides services when few other are active. Nesting can reach high in suitable .

Human Relevance

of orchard . Occasionally perceived as nuisance when large form in lawns or recreational areas, but poses minimal risk. Management through overseeding and irrigation can reduce nesting suitability if removal desired.

Similar Taxa

Colletes thoracicus vernal with similar biology and ; distinguished by subtle morphological differences and associations
Colletes validus vernal sharing nesting and temporal ; requires expert identification

More Details

Thermal Physiology

Exhibits physiological to early spring cold conditions. Critical thermal approximately 4.7–5.4°C; critical thermal maximum approximately 43–44°C. Significantly more cold-tolerant but less heat-tolerant than , with faster chill coma recovery. Repeated cold exposure impairs recovery ability. Food availability is primary factor influencing male survival when emerging before floral resources.

Nest Construction

lined with polyester secretion from , creating transparent waterproof that retards mold and . Each nest contains up to seven provisioned with semi-liquid pollen and nectar mixture.