Hylaeus nelumbonis

(Robertson, 1890)

Nelumbo Masked Bee

Hylaeus nelumbonis is a of masked ( Colletidae) native to North America. Like other members of the Hylaeus, it is a solitary, nearly hairless bee that resembles small in appearance. The species name "nelumbonis" suggests an association with Nelumbo (lotus), though specific ecological relationships remain poorly documented. As with most Hylaeus species, females transport nectar internally in a crop rather than externally on body hairs.

Hylaeus nelumbonis, f, back, Minnesota 2018-07-17-16.17.12 ZS PMax UDR (51409135105) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Hylaeus nelumbonis, f, left, Minnesota 2018-07-17-16.34.04 ZS PMax UDR - Flickr - Sam Droege by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Hylaeus nelumbonis, f, face, Minnesota 2018-07-17-16.22.57 ZS PMax UDR (51407406807) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hylaeus nelumbonis: /haɪˈliːəs nɛˈlʊmbənɪs/

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

Identification

Distinguished from similar small by the presence of (branched) hairs, though this requires magnification of at least 60x to observe. Distinguished from other Hylaeus primarily by facial marking patterns and, in males, extent of pale coloration on the . The specific epithet and known distribution may aid in identification where other Hylaeus species co-occur.

Images

Appearance

Nearly hairless body with a -like appearance. Lacks the dense branched () hairs typical of most bees. Females possess yellow, white, or ivory markings on the inner margin of each . Males have the entire colored yellow or white. Small size, consistent with other Hylaeus .

Habitat

Specific preferences for this are not well documented. Based on -level characteristics, likely associated with areas providing pre-existing cavities for nesting, including hollow stems, twigs with pith, or abandoned insect burrows. The species name suggests possible association with aquatic or wetland habitats where lotus (Nelumbo) occurs.

Distribution

Recorded from North America, specifically from Vermont, United States. Distribution records are sparse.

Host Associations

Nelumbo - implied by specific epithet name 'nelumbonis' suggests association with lotus, but this relationship has not been confirmed

Life Cycle

Presumed solitary nesting, consistent with Hylaeus. Females construct individual nests in pre-existing cavities, lining with a secreted organic polymer ('natural plastic'). Each cell contains a single larva provisioned with regurgitated nectar and minimal pollen. Developmental stages likely include , larva, pupa, and , but specific timing unknown.

Behavior

Females forage for nectar, storing it in an internal crop for transport back to the nest. Unlike most bees, pollen collection is minimal; females ingest rather than externally transport pollen. Nesting occurs in pre-existing cavities rather than excavated burrows.

Ecological Role

Likely functions as a , though pollen transport is reduced compared to hairy . Contribution to services is presumed but unquantified.

Similar Taxa

Hylaeus modestusSimilar -like appearance, facial markings, and nesting ; distinguished by specific facial pattern differences and geographic distribution
Other Hylaeus speciesNearly identical general ; reliable identification requires examination of facial markings, male genitalia, or geographic context
Small Crabronidae wasps (e.g., Anacrabro, Ectemnius)Convergent -like appearance with reduced hairiness; distinguished by microscopic examination of hair structure ( in bees, simple in wasps) and wing venation

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The specific epithet 'nelumbonis' (from Nelumbo, lotus) is unusual among North American Hylaeus and may indicate a specialized floral association, though this has not been investigated. Most Hylaeus are foragers.

Data Deficiency

This is poorly represented in collections and literature. The 38 iNaturalist observations suggest it is underreported rather than genuinely rare, but confirmation requires targeted survey work.