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 . Like other Colletes , females construct individual burrows and 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 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

  • Epeolus compactus - Epeolus compactus is a known that exploits nests of Colletes kincaidii, laying in to usurp pollen and nectar provisions.

Life Cycle

Females construct subterranean galleries with individual lined with a translucent, cellophane-like coating secreted from the . 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 . Males nesting areas seeking mates.

Ecological Role

; contributes to of flowering plants. Serves as for cleptoparasitic , supporting higher in bee .

Human Relevance

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

Similar Taxa

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

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