Colletes ochraceus

Swenk, 1906

Ochraceous Cellophane Bee, Ochraceous Plasterer Bee

Colletes ochraceus is a solitary ground-nesting in the Colletidae, commonly known as the ochraceous cellophane bee or ochraceous plasterer bee. Native to North America, this exhibits the characteristic cellophane bee of lining underground with a waterproof, cellophane-like secretion from the . Females construct individual burrows in sandy soils, provisioning them with a semi-liquid mixture of pollen and nectar for their larvae. The species is part of a diverse of early spring-emerging bees that serve as important native .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Colletes ochraceus: /kəˈliːtiːz oʊˈkreɪʃəs/

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Identification

Colletes ochraceus belongs to a that is challenging to distinguish from similar bees without close examination. Conclusive identification requires microscopic examination or clear views of specific characters: Colletes possess a forked, bifurcated tongue (visible when extended), and the forewing has three submarginal with a distinctly S-shaped (sinuous) second recurrent —contrasting with the straighter second recurrent vein in Andrena mining bees. In -on view, Colletes have a -shaped versus the rounder face of Andrena. Males have longer than females and lack the pollen-collecting scopa on the hind legs. Species-level identification within Colletes is difficult and typically requires expert examination.

Habitat

Sandy soils with sparse vegetation, including bare patches in lawns, coastal dunes, and open grasslands. Nests in where hundreds to thousands of females may occupy small areas. Prefers sunny locations with well-drained substrates that allow excavation of subterranean galleries.

Distribution

North America. Specific range details within the continent are not well documented in available sources.

Seasonality

Spring to autumn activity; exact timing for this is not specified in available sources. Many Colletes species are with one per year, while others are .

Life Cycle

Solitary lifecycle with subterranean nesting. Females excavate individual burrows, line with a cellophane-like secretion from the combined with saliva, and provision each cell with a semi-liquid mixture of nectar and pollen. A single is laid per cell. Larvae develop within the waterproofed chambers, feeding on the stored provisions. Development continues through summer and fall, with and timing varying by .

Behavior

Females construct and provision underground nests individually. Males emerge before females (protandry), aggregate at nesting sites, and aggressively pursue mates, forming mating balls around receptive females. Males frequently land on the ground in nesting areas. Females emit a citrus-like odor when handled, produced by a in the containing linalool and other aromatic compounds; this may function in nest-finding, foraging, or mate location. Docile and extremely reluctant to sting; females risk reproductive failure if they sting and die.

Ecological Role

Native . As a member of the Colletidae , contributes to pollination of early spring-blooming plants. Nesting can reach high densities, potentially providing significant local pollination services. May be oligolectic (specialized to specific plant ) or polylectic ( forager); specific plant relationships for this are not documented.

Human Relevance

Beneficial with no documented negative impacts. Large nesting may alarm homeowners but pose no sting hazard. can be supported by maintaining bare sandy patches and avoiding use. Turf can be increased through overseeding and irrigation if nest reduction is desired.

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)Overlap in size and ; distinguished by wing venation and facial structure.
Other Colletes speciesExtremely similar ; -level identification requires microscopic examination and expert analysis.