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Guides
Dianthidium simile
Northeastern Pebble Bee
Dianthidium simile is a solitary bee species in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Northeastern Pebble Bee. It belongs to a group of bees known as resin bees, mason bees, and leafcutter bees, reflecting the diverse nesting materials used by members of this family. The species is native to North America, with confirmed records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. Like other Dianthidium species, it constructs nests using plant resins and other materials, and is subject to parasitism by specialized wasps such as leucospids.
Stenodynerus fundatiformis fundatiformis
Stenodynerus fundatiformis fundatiformis is a subspecies of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. It is a solitary, cavity-nesting wasp that provisions its nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for its larval offspring. The subspecies is difficult to distinguish from similar genera such as Parancistrocerus based on live specimens alone, often requiring microscopic examination for definitive identification.
Stenodynerus oculeus
Stenodynerus oculeus is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. It is a small, cavity-nesting species that provisions its nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for its larvae. The species is difficult to distinguish from closely related genera such as Parancistrocerus without microscopic examination. Males have been observed foraging on flowers, with the last antennal segment modified into a finger-like structure folded against the adjacent segment.