Bee-balm

Guides

• Dufourea monardae

  Beebalm Shortface Bee, monarda dufourea

  A small sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the Beebalm Shortface Bee. Females measure approximately 7 mm, males 6–7 mm. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in head shape, with females having a strongly protuberant face and males possessing a longer head. It is an oligolectic specialist, collecting pollen exclusively from bee balm plants (Monarda spp.). Active primarily during July and August across its North American range.

  oligolecticspecialist-pollinatorMonardabee-balmHalictidaeshortface-beesexual-dimorphismfacial-protuberanceprotandrysummer-active