Colletes lutzi

Timberlake, 1943

polyester bee, plasterer bee

Colletes lutzi is a solitary ground-nesting in the Colletidae, commonly known as a polyester bee or . Like other members of its , females construct individual burrows in sandy soils and line with a unique cellophane-like secretion from the . This occurs in North America, though specific details about its remain poorly documented compared to better-studied such as C. inaequalis and C. thoracicus.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Colletes lutzi: //kəˈliːtiːz ˈlʊtsiː//

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Identification

Definitive identification of C. lutzi to level requires microscopic examination. Colletes species generally share the -level characters: a forked or bifurcated tongue ( and ), a -shaped in frontal view, and an S-shaped (sinuous) second recurrent in the forewing. Males have longer than females and lack the scopa (pollen-collecting hairs) on the hind legs. Females possess a scopa and are typically seen provisioning burrows rather than hovering over nesting areas.

Habitat

Based on -level patterns, C. lutzi likely nests in sandy or well-drained soils with sparse vegetation. Colletes often colonize bare patches in lawns, golf course roughs, and coastal or inland dunes where turf is naturally thin. Nesting can reach high densities when soil conditions are favorable.

Distribution

North America. GBIF records indicate presence in North America, though specific range boundaries within the continent are not well-documented.

Life Cycle

As a Colletes , C. lutzi likely follows the general pattern: or , with females excavating subterranean burrows, lining with secretions, and provisioning each cell with a semi-liquid mixture of pollen and nectar for a single larva. Larvae develop through summer and fall, pupating underground before emerging the following spring. However, specific voltinism for this species is not confirmed.

Behavior

Females are solitary nesters, though they aggregate in favorable locations. Males typically emerge first (protandry), patrol nesting areas at low heights seeking females, and may form mating balls around receptive females. Both sexes are docile and extremely reluctant to sting.

Ecological Role

of early spring-blooming plants. As with other Colletes, may exhibit oligolectic or polylectic pollen-foraging strategies, though specific plant relationships for C. lutzi are undocumented.

Human Relevance

Ground-nesting may cause concern among homeowners or turf managers, but these bees are harmless and beneficial as native . They do not damage healthy turf, preferring already thin or sandy areas.

Similar Taxa

Colletes inaequalisShares spring timing and ground-nesting ; distinguished by subtle morphological differences requiring microscopic examination
Colletes thoracicusOverlapping range and similar nesting ; -level identification requires detailed examination of wing venation and other microscopic characters
Andrena spp.Mining bees that nest in ground and appear similar in size and ; distinguished by rounder shape and straight second recurrent in forewing
Halictus spp.Sweat bees that may share ; often metallic-colored and with different wing venation patterns

More Details

Taxonomic note

Colletes lutzi was described by Timberlake in 1943. It is one of approximately 99 Colletes recognized in North America north of Mexico.

Conservation status

No specific conservation assessment identified for this . General threats to ground-nesting bees include loss, use, and turf management practices that eliminate bare ground.