Colletes kincaidii

Cockerell, 1898

Kincaid's Cellophane Bee, Kincaid's Polyester Bee

Colletes kincaidii, known as Kincaid's cellophane , is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the Colletidae. Like other Colletes , females construct individual burrows and line with a cellophane-like secretion from the , creating waterproof chambers for larval development. The species has been documented as a for the cleptoparasitic bee Epeolus compactus, which exploits its nests. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Vermont.

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Colletes kincaidii: /kəˈliːtiːz kɪnˈkeɪdiːaɪ/

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Habitat

Sandy or well-drained soils with sparse vegetation, including bare patches in lawns and open ground. Nests in where multiple females excavate burrows in close proximity.

Distribution

North America; confirmed present in Vermont, United States.

Host Associations

Life Cycle

Females construct subterranean galleries with individual lined with a translucent, cellophane-like coating secreted from the . Larvae develop within these waterproofed chambers, feeding on provisions of nectar and pollen. forms undergo development in the nest, with timing likely varying by region.

Behavior

Solitary but nests in , with many females occupying small areas. Females excavate individual burrows and apply abdominal secretions to line . Males patrol nesting areas seeking mates.

Ecological Role

Native ; contributes to pollination of flowering plants. Serves as for cleptoparasitic bees, supporting higher in .

Human Relevance

Non-aggressive and reluctant to sting; poses minimal threat to humans. Nesting may cause concern to homeowners but are beneficial for pollination. vulnerable to loss and application.

Similar Taxa

  • Colletes inaequalisSympatric vernal Colletes with similar ground-nesting and appearance; microscopic examination often required for definitive separation.
  • Colletes thoracicusAnother vernal plasterer bee with overlapping range and similar nesting habits; difficult to distinguish without detailed morphological examination.
  • Andrena speciesMining bees in Andrenidae share ground-nesting habits and general appearance; distinguished by rounder shape and straight second recurrent wing versus sinuous vein in Colletes.

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Sources and further reading