Hylaeus episcopalis

(Cockerell, 1896)

Episcopal Masked Bee

Species Guides

Hylaeus episcopalis coquilletti

Hylaeus episcopalis is a of masked in the Colletidae, first described by Cockerell in 1896. Like other members of its , it is a solitary, nearly hairless bee that transports pollen and nectar internally rather than on body hairs. The species occurs in North America and is one of approximately 50 Hylaeus species on the continent. Four have been described: H. e. coquilletti, H. e. episcopalis, H. e. giffardiellus, and H. e. metzi.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hylaeus episcopalis: /hɪˈlaɪəs ˌɛpɪˈskɒpəlɪs/

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

Identification

Nearly hairless body with a -like appearance typical of the Hylaeus. Females possess yellow, white, or ivory markings on the inner margin of each ; males have the entire colored yellow or white. Distinguished from true wasps by (feather-like) body hairs visible at 60× magnification or higher. Separated from other Hylaeus by subtle morphological features requiring examination.

Distribution

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

Behavior

Solitary nesting . Females construct nests in pre-existing cavities such as hollow stems, twig pith, or abandoned insect burrows. are lined with a glandular secretion forming a natural polymer . Females transport pollen and nectar internally in a specialized crop, then regurgitate provisions into cells.

Ecological Role

Likely functions as a , though specific floral associations for this have not been documented. As with other Hylaeus species, pollen foraging may skew toward Rosaceae when available, Asteraceae otherwise.

Similar Taxa

Hylaeus modestusSimilar -like appearance and yellow facial markings; distinguished by -specific morphological details
Hylaeus basalisShares nearly hairless body and yellow-faced pattern; requires expert examination for separation