Hylaeus episcopalis coquilletti
Hylaeus episcopalis coquilletti is a of yellow-faced bee in the Colletidae. As with other members of the Hylaeus, this is nearly hairless and -like in appearance, lacking the dense hair typical of most bees. Females have distinctive yellow or white markings on the inner margin of each , while males have the entire colored yellow or white. These solitary bees nest in pre-existing cavities such as hollow stems or twigs, lining with a natural polymer secretion. The subspecies epithet "coquilletti" honors the entomologist James Charles Coquillett.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hylaeus episcopalis coquilletti: /hɪˈliːəs ɛˌpiːskəˈpeɪlɪs kəˌkwɪˈjɛtaɪ/
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Identification
Distinguished from by (feather-like) body hairs visible at 60x magnification, though this requires microscopic examination. Separated from other Hylaeus by specific facial marking patterns: females with yellow/white on inner margins only, males with entire yellow/white. Differs from Hylaeus episcopalis nominate by subtle morphological differences in the coquilletti subspecies, though specific distinguishing characters require expert examination.
Appearance
Nearly hairless, -like with slender body. Females have yellow, white, or ivory markings on the inner margin of each . Males have the entire colored yellow or white. Lacks the dense hairs typical of most bees; body appears relatively smooth and shiny.
Habitat
Uses pre-existing cavities in hollow stems, twigs, or abandoned galls for nesting. Found in areas with suitable nesting substrates and flowering plants for foraging.
Distribution
Specific distribution of this is not well documented; the Hylaeus episcopalis occurs in western North America. iNaturalist records indicate observations from California.
Diet
feed on nectar from flowers. Females collect pollen internally, storing it in the crop for transport to the nest. Specific pollen preferences for this are unknown; related Hylaeus show varying degrees of specialization from to oligophagous.
Life Cycle
Solitary nesting; each female constructs and provisions her own nest. are laid singly in lined with natural polymer secretions. Larvae develop on stored pollen and nectar provisions. Developmental timing and number of per year are not documented for this .
Behavior
Solitary; no social structure. Females forage for nectar and pollen, returning to nest to regurgitate stored provisions. Males may patrol nesting areas. Both sexes have been observed visiting flowers. Readily uses artificial nest boxes with small diameter holes.
Ecological Role
of flowering plants. Contributes to pollination services in where it occurs, though specific plant associations are not documented for this .
Human Relevance
Potential beneficiary of artificial boxes and conservation efforts. Like other native bees, may contribute to urban and wildland pollination. No documented negative impacts.
Similar Taxa
- Hylaeus episcopalis (nominate subspecies)Overlaps in range and general ; distinguished by subtle morphological differences requiring expert examination
- Other Hylaeus speciesShare nearly hairless, -like appearance and facial markings; require examination of specific marking patterns and genitalia for separation
- Small wasps (e.g., Vespidae)Convergent -like appearance due to reduced hair; distinguished by hairs (microscopic) and absence of wasp waist constriction
More Details
Nesting Biology
Females lack specialized pollen-carrying structures (scopae) and instead transport pollen internally in the crop, regurgitating it at the nest. are lined with a natural plastic-like polymer secreted from abdominal glands, which protects provisions from spoilage.
Taxonomic Note
The epithet "coquilletti" honors James Charles Coquillett (1855-1907), an influential American entomologist who worked extensively on Diptera and other insects. The name is also shared with the Ligurotettix coquilletti (Desert Clicker) and the spider wasp subspecies Poecilopompilus algidus coquilletti, reflecting Coquillett's broad impact on North American entomology.