Colletes solidaginis

Swenk, 1906

Goldenrod Cellophane Bee

Colletes solidaginis, known as the goldenrod cellophane , is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the Colletidae. Like other members of its , it constructs subterranean burrows lined with a waterproof, cellophane-like secretion from abdominal glands. The is found in North America and is associated with goldenrod (Solidago) flowers, as suggested by its specific epithet.

Colletes solidaginis, f, face, Suffolk, VA 2018-06-19-18.18.39 ZS PMax UDR (45955109742) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Colletes solidaginis, f, back, Suffolk, VA 2018-06-19-18.12.14 ZS PMax UDR (32133763698) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Colletes solidaginis, f, left, Suffolk, VA 2018-06-19-18.37.36 ZS PMax UDR (45955108602) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Colletes solidaginis: /kəˈliːtiːz ˌsɒlɪˈdædʒɪnɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Colletes solidaginis can be distinguished from similar ground-nesting bees by the combination of its -shaped (in frontal view), forked or bifurcated mouthparts (visible when extended), and wing venation featuring three submarginal with a distinctly S-shaped (sinuous) second recurrent . Males have longer than females and lack the pollen-collecting scopa on the hind legs. -level identification within Colletes typically requires microscopic examination due to the subtle morphological differences between closely related species.

Images

Habitat

Nests in sandy soils with sparse vegetation, including bare patches in lawns, coastal sand dunes, and open grasslands. Prefers sunny locations for nesting .

Distribution

North America; recorded from the United States including Vermont.

Host Associations

Solidago - pollen/nectar sourceAssociation inferred from specific epithet 'solidaginis'; likely oligolectic on goldenrod

Life Cycle

or . Females excavate individual burrows in spring or fall, lining with a waterproof, cellophane-like secretion from the . Each cell is provisioned with a semi-liquid mixture of nectar and pollen, sealed with an , and left for larval development. Larvae feed on provisions and pupate underground, emerging as the following season.

Behavior

Solitary but nests in dense where hundreds to thousands of females may occupy small areas. Males emerge first (protandry) and form mating swarms, pursuing females aggressively and creating mating balls. Both sexes are docile and extremely reluctant to sting. Females exhibit continuous activity at nesting sites, while males frequently land on the ground in nesting areas.

Ecological Role

Native ; contributes to pollination of early spring and late autumn flowering plants. As a ground-nesting , it provides soil aeration through burrowing activity.

Human Relevance

Beneficial with no significant negative impacts. Large nesting may cause concern to homeowners but pose no stinging threat. can be supported by maintaining bare, sandy soil patches and avoiding use.

Similar Taxa

AndrenaMining bees share ground-nesting habit and general appearance, but have rounder in frontal view and a straight (not S-shaped) second recurrent wing
HalictusSweat bees overlap in size and but differ in wing venation and facial structure
LasioglossumSweat bees can appear similar but lack the forked tongue and distinctive cellophane lining of Colletes

More Details

Nesting Biology

Females produce a distinctive cellophane-like lining in using secretions from the , mixed with saliva applied using mouthparts as a trowel. This waterproof coating preserves the semi-liquid pollen-nectar provisions for developing larvae.

Conservation Notes

Nesting may persist in the same location for multiple years. Destruction of nesting sites through landscaping or application can eliminate significant local in a single season.