Colletes punctipennis

Cresson, 1868

Dot-winged Cellophane Bee, Dot-winged Plasterer Bee

A solitary ground-nesting in the Colletes, known for its distinctive markings and cellophane-like nest linings. Like other , females construct individual burrows in sandy soils and coat with a waterproof secretion from the . The specific epithet 'punctipennis' refers to (dotted) wing markings that aid in identification.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Colletes punctipennis: /kəˈliːtiːz ˌpʌŋktɪˈpɛnɪs/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Colletes by (dotted) markings on the , referenced in the specific epithet 'punctipennis'. General Colletes identification features include: forked, bifurcated tongue (visible when extended); -shaped in -on view; with three submarginal and distinctly S-shaped (sinuous) second ; males have longer than females and lack the pollen- on hind legs.

Habitat

Sandy soils with sparse vegetation, including coastal dunes, inland sand , and thin in lawns or turf. Nests in where hundreds to thousands of females may occupy small areas.

Distribution

North America and Middle America (Mexico). Records indicate presence in both regions, though specific range details within these areas are not well documented in available sources.

Seasonality

Spring to autumn activity typical of ; some Colletes are (one per year), others (two generations). Exact for this species not specified in sources.

Life Cycle

Solitary nesting: each female excavates her own burrow up to 26 cm deep, creates individual , and provisions each with a semi-liquid mixture of nectar and pollen. develop through summer and fall, pupating to emerge the following year.

Behavior

Nests in dense that appear social but are not—each female maintains independent burrow. Females with saliva followed by secretion, creating a cellophane-like waterproof lining that preserves liquid food stores. Males nesting areas and form mating balls around emerging females.

Ecological Role

; females collect pollen and nectar from diverse flowering plants. Ground-nesting activity contributes to soil aeration in sandy .

Human Relevance

Docile and extremely reluctant to ; females risk reproductive failure if they sting and die. Large sometimes alarm homeowners but pose no threat. Can be encouraged by preserving thin turf and sandy soils, or discouraged by overseeding and irrigation.

Similar Taxa

  • Andrena (mining bees)Similar size and ground-nesting habit; distinguished by rounder , straight second recurrent , and different tongue structure
  • Halictus and Lasioglossum (sweat bees)Overlapping size range and metallic coloration possible; distinguished by and facial shape
  • Other Colletes speciesVery difficult to differentiate without microscopic examination; C. punctipennis specifically identified by markings

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Sources and further reading