Hylaeus polifolii

(Cockerell, 1901)

Buckwheat Masked Bee

Hylaeus polifolii is a solitary in the Colletidae, commonly known as the buckwheat masked bee. It is native to North America and belongs to the Hylaeus, a group of nearly hairless bees often mistaken for due to their slender appearance. The species has two recognized : H. p. catalinensis and H. p. polifolii. Like other masked bees, females transport pollen and nectar internally in a crop rather than on body hairs.

Hylaeus polifolii catalinensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Hylaeus polifolii catalinensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Hylaeus polifolii catalinensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hylaeus polifolii: /hɪˈliːəs ˌpɒlɪˈfoʊli.aɪ/

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Identification

Hylaeus polifolii can be distinguished from similar Hylaeus by examining facial markings: females have pale markings on the inner margins of the , while males have the entire colored pale yellow or white. As with all Hylaeus, the body is nearly hairless with a slender, -like build. Definitive identification to species level typically requires examination by a taxonomist, as external characters can be subtle.

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Distribution

Found in North America. The H. p. catalinensis occurs on Santa Catalina Island, California, while the nominate subspecies H. p. polifolii has a broader distribution on the mainland.

Ecological Role

As a member of the Hylaeus, this likely functions as a . Females collect pollen and nectar from flowers to provision nest , contributing to plant in its native range.

Similar Taxa

  • Hylaeus modestusBoth are North American masked bees with similar nearly hairless, -like appearance; distinguished by facial marking patterns and geographic distribution.
  • Hylaeus bisinuatusAnother western North American Hylaeus with similar ; H. bisinuatus has been documented as a pollen on White Sweetclover.

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