Colletes slevini

Cockerell, 1925

Slevin's cellophane bee, Slevin's polyester bee

Colletes slevini, commonly known as Slevin's cellophane or Slevin's polyester bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the Colletidae. As a member of the Colletes, it shares the characteristic of lining its underground with a cellophane-like secretion produced from the . The is found in North America, though specific details about its range and remain limited in published sources. Like other Colletes species, it is a native that emerges in spring.

Colletes slevini by (c) redrovertracy, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by redrovertracy. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Colletes slevini: //ˈkɒl.ɪ.tiːz ˈslɛv.ɪ.naɪ//

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Identification

Identification of C. slevini requires microscopic examination. Members of the Colletes can be distinguished from similar mining bees (Andrena) and sweat bees (Halictus, Lasioglossum) by: a forked or bifurcated (tongue) when extended; a -shaped in frontal view (round in Andrena); and an S-shaped second recurrent in the forewing (straight in Andrena). Males have longer than females and lack the scopa (pollen-collecting hairs) on the hind legs. -level identification within Colletes is difficult and typically requires examination of subtle morphological characters.

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Distribution

North America. Specific range details beyond this continental-level distribution are not documented in available sources.

Ecological Role

As a member of the Colletes, this functions as a native solitary . Based on genus-level characteristics, females are ground-nesting and likely contribute to pollination of spring-blooming plants.

Human Relevance

Ground-nesting of Colletes bees are sometimes perceived as threats by homeowners, though they are docile and reluctant to sting. No specific human relevance information is documented for C. slevini.

Similar Taxa

  • Colletes inaequalisSympatric spring-flying plasterer bee with similar nesting and appearance; microscopic examination required for separation.
  • Andrena spp.Mining bees that share ground-nesting habit and general appearance; distinguished by round and straight second recurrent in forewing.
  • Halictus spp.Sweat bees that overlap in size and ; distinguished by wing venation and mouthpart structure.

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Sources and further reading