Solitary-bee
Guides
Colletes bryanti
Colletes bryanti is a solitary bee species in the family Colletidae, commonly known as polyester bees or plasterer bees. Like other members of its genus, it is native to North America. The species was described by Timberlake in 1951. Specific ecological details for this species are not well documented in available sources.
Colletes compactus
polyester bee, plasterer bee, cellophane bee
Colletes compactus is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae, native to North America. Like other members of its genus, it constructs subterranean burrows lined with a distinctive cellophane-like secretion produced by the Dufour's gland, earning the common name "polyester bee" or "plasterer bee." The species nests in aggregations in sandy soils, with females provisioning individual brood cells with a semi-liquid mixture of pollen and nectar. Males emerge before females and actively patrol nesting areas seeking mates.
Colletes compactus compactus
plasterer bee
Colletes compactus compactus is a subspecies of plasterer bee in the family Colletidae. As a member of the genus Colletes, it exhibits the characteristic behaviors of ground-nesting solitary bees that line their burrows with a cellophane-like glandular secretion. The subspecies is recorded from North America, with specific documentation from Vermont. Like other Colletes species, it is an early-spring pollinator that provisions subterranean brood cells with nectar and pollen.
Colletes fulgidus longiplumosus
Long-plumed Cellophane Bee
Colletes fulgidus longiplumosus is a subspecies of plasterer bee in the family Colletidae. Plasterer bees are solitary ground-nesting bees that line their burrows with a cellophane-like secretion from an abdominal gland. As a member of the genus Colletes, this subspecies shares the characteristic vernal activity pattern and ground-nesting biology typical of the group. The subspecific epithet 'longiplumosus' refers to notably long plumose (feathery) hairs, likely a distinguishing feature from the nominate subspecies.
Colletes howardi
Colletes howardi is a species of solitary bee in the family Colletidae, commonly known as plasterer bees. It is found in North America. As a member of the genus Colletes, it likely shares the characteristic behavior of lining underground brood chambers with a glandular secretion that dries into a cellophane-like, waterproof coating.
Colletes hyalinus
polyester bee, plasterer bee, cellophane bee
Colletes hyalinus is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae, native to North America. The species belongs to a group commonly known as polyester bees or plasterer bees, named for the distinctive cellophane-like lining females create in their underground brood cells using secretions from the Dufour's gland. Three subspecies are recognized: C. h. hyalinus, C. h. gaudialis, and C. h. oregonensis. Like other members of the genus, this species exhibits protandry, with males emerging before females.
Colletes hyalinus gaudialis
polyester bee, plasterer bee, cellophane bee
Colletes hyalinus gaudialis is a subspecies of polyester bee in the family Colletidae. Like other members of its genus, females construct solitary underground nests lined with a cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland. This waterproof coating protects the semi-liquid pollen and nectar provisions for developing larvae. The subspecies is found in North America and shares the general biology of other Colletes species.
Colletes inaequalis
Unequal Cellophane Bee, Plasterer Bee, Polyester Bee
Colletes inaequalis is a univoltine, ground-nesting solitary bee and one of the earliest pollinators to emerge in North American spring. Males emerge approximately two weeks before females and patrol nesting sites seeking mates. Females construct individual underground burrows in sandy soils, lining brood cells with a polyester secretion from abdominal glands that creates a waterproof, cellophane-like coating. The species exhibits strong site fidelity, with offspring often nesting near parental aggregation sites. It is polylectic, visiting early spring flowering trees including Eastern Redbud, maple, willow, and apple.
Colletes kincaidii
Kincaid's Cellophane Bee, Kincaid's Polyester Bee
Colletes kincaidii, known as Kincaid's cellophane bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae. Like other Colletes species, females construct individual burrows and line brood cells with a cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland, creating waterproof chambers for larval development. The species has been documented as a host for the cleptoparasitic bee Epeolus compactus, which exploits its nests. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Vermont.
Colletes latitarsis
broad-footed cellophane bee
Colletes latitarsis, known as the broad-footed cellophane bee, is a solitary bee species in the family Colletidae. Like other members of its genus, it is a ground-nesting bee that constructs burrows lined with a cellophane-like secretion. The species occurs in North America, with documented presence in the northeastern United States including Vermont. As a member of the Colletes genus, it shares the characteristic forked tongue and cellophane bee biology with related species.
Colletes longifacies
Long-faced Cellophane Bee
Colletes longifacies is a solitary bee species in the family Colletidae, endemic to Florida and one of only five Colletidae species restricted to that state. It occurs in North-Central Peninsular Florida and the Florida Panhandle. Like other members of its genus, it is a ground-nesting bee that lines its brood cells with a cellophane-like secretion, earning it the common name 'cellophane bee' or 'plasterer bee'.
Colletes lutzi
polyester bee, plasterer bee
Colletes lutzi is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae, commonly known as a polyester bee or plasterer bee. Like other members of its genus, females construct individual burrows in sandy soils and line brood cells with a unique cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland. This species occurs in North America, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as C. inaequalis and C. thoracicus.
Colletes ochraceus
Ochraceous Cellophane Bee, Ochraceous Plasterer Bee
Colletes ochraceus is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae, commonly known as the ochraceous cellophane bee or ochraceous plasterer bee. Native to North America, this species exhibits the characteristic cellophane bee behavior of lining underground brood cells with a waterproof, cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland. Females construct individual burrows in sandy soils, provisioning them with a semi-liquid mixture of pollen and nectar for their larvae. The species is part of a diverse genus of early spring-emerging bees that serve as important native pollinators.
Colletes phaceliae
phacelia cellophane bee
Colletes phaceliae is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae, commonly known as the phacelia cellophane bee. Like other members of the genus Colletes, females construct subterranean burrows and line brood cells with a cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland, creating waterproof chambers for their larvae. The species is found in North America and is named for its association with phacelia flowers.
Colletes punctipennis
Dot-winged Cellophane Bee, Dot-winged Plasterer Bee
A solitary ground-nesting bee in the genus Colletes, known for its distinctive wing markings and cellophane-like nest linings. Like other plasterer bees, females construct individual burrows in sandy soils and coat brood cells with a waterproof secretion from the Dufour's gland. The specific epithet 'punctipennis' refers to punctate (dotted) wing markings that aid in identification.
Colletes simulans
spine-shouldered cellophane bee
Colletes simulans, commonly known as the spine-shouldered cellophane bee, is a solitary bee species in the family Colletidae. It is found in North America and shares the characteristic behaviors of its genus: nesting in underground burrows lined with a cellophane-like secretion and provisioning cells with pollen and nectar for larval development. As with other Colletes species, it is among the early spring-emerging native pollinators.
Colletes simulans armatus
Eastern Spine-shouldered Cellophane Bee
Colletes simulans armatus is a subspecies of polyester bee in the family Colletidae, commonly known as the Eastern Spine-shouldered Cellophane Bee. Like other members of the genus, females construct solitary underground nests lined with a cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland. The subspecies occurs in eastern North America and is active in spring. Males emerge before females and engage in competitive mating behavior at nesting aggregations.
Colletes simulans nevadensis
Colletes simulans nevadensis is a subspecies of polyester bee in the family Colletidae. Like other members of the genus Colletes, it is a solitary ground-nesting bee. The subspecies was described by Swenk in 1908. Information specific to this subspecies is limited in available sources.
Colletes slevini
Slevin's cellophane bee, Slevin's polyester bee
Colletes slevini, commonly known as Slevin's cellophane bee or Slevin's polyester bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae. As a member of the genus Colletes, it shares the characteristic behavior of lining its underground brood cells with a cellophane-like secretion produced from the Dufour's gland. The species is found in North America, though specific details about its range and biology remain limited in published sources. Like other Colletes species, it is a native pollinator that emerges in spring.
Colletes solidaginis
Goldenrod Cellophane Bee
Colletes solidaginis, known as the goldenrod cellophane bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae. Like other members of its genus, it constructs subterranean burrows lined with a waterproof, cellophane-like secretion from abdominal glands. The species is found in North America and is associated with goldenrod (Solidago) flowers, as suggested by its specific epithet.
Colletes susannae
Susanna's Cellophane Bee
Colletes susannae, known as Susanna's cellophane bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae. Like other members of its genus, females construct burrows in sandy soil and line brood cells with a cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland. The species is found in North America and belongs to a group commonly called plasterer bees or polyester bees due to their distinctive nest-lining behavior.
Colletes tectiventris
Hairy-tailed Cellophane Bee
Colletes tectiventris is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae, commonly known as the Hairy-tailed Cellophane Bee. Like other Colletes species, it constructs subterranean burrows lined with a cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland. The species was described by Timberlake in 1951 and occurs in North America. Specific details about its biology remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as C. inaequalis and C. thoracicus.
Colletes thoracicus
Rufous-backed Cellophane Bee, Rufous-chested Cellophane Bee
Colletes thoracicus, commonly known as the rufous-backed cellophane bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee native to North America. It belongs to the family Colletidae, which are known as plasterer or cellophane bees due to their unique nesting behavior. Females construct individual burrows in sandy soils and line the interior chambers with a cellophane-like secretion produced by a gland in their abdomen, creating waterproof brood cells. This species emerges early in spring and is an important native pollinator of early-blooming plants.
Colletes ultravalidus
Sandhills Cellophane Bee
Colletes ultravalidus is a solitary bee species in the family Colletidae, described in 2016. As a member of the genus Colletes, it shares the characteristic behavior of lining underground brood cells with a cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland. The species is known from the Sandhills region of North Carolina.
Colletes validus
Blueberry Cellophane Bee
Colletes validus is a solitary, ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae, commonly known as the blueberry cellophane bee. It is a specialist pollinator of ericaceous plants, particularly in early spring when Vaccinium species bloom. The species exhibits gregarious nesting behavior in sandy soils and is notable for its distinctive elongated, triangular facial structure.
Colletes wilmattae
cellophane bee, polyester bee, plasterer bee
Colletes wilmattae is a solitary bee species in the family Colletidae, first described by Theodore Cockerell in 1904. Like other members of its genus, it is commonly known as a cellophane bee, polyester bee, or plasterer bee due to the distinctive cellophane-like lining females create in their underground brood cells. The species is native to North America, occurring in both the United States and Canada. As a solitary ground-nesting bee, it plays a role in early-season pollination.
Diadasia
cactus bees, bindweed turret bees
Diadasia is a genus of solitary bees in the family Apidae, tribe Emphorini, containing approximately 42 species. These bees are oligolectic pollen specialists that primarily forage on plants in the family Malvaceae, though some species have evolved associations with other plant groups including cacti, bindweeds, and willowherbs. They are ground-nesting bees, with many species constructing distinctive turrets or chimney-like structures at their nest entrances. Male Diadasia form large mating aggregations where they compete intensely for access to emerging females.
Diadasia australis
Cactus chimney bees
Diadasia australis is a species of chimney bee in the family Apidae, found in Central America and North America. The species belongs to a genus commonly known as chimney bees or turret bees, characterized by their distinctive nest architecture. Three subspecies are recognized: D. a. australis, D. a. californica, and D. a. knabiana. The species is part of a group of solitary bees that construct above-ground turret structures at their nest entrances.
Diadasia bituberculata
Bindweed Turret Bee, Bindweed Bee, Digger Bee, Chimney Bee
Diadasia bituberculata is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the bindweed turret bee. It is native to the western coast of North America, with its range extending from Oregon through California to Baja California, Mexico. The species is an obligate specialist pollinator of bindweed (morning glory), foraging almost exclusively on plants in the genus Convolvulus. Females construct distinctive soil turrets at nest entrances in flat, bare ground, provisioning underground cells with pollen for their offspring.
Diadasia diminuta
globe mallow bee, globemallow chimney bee
Diadasia diminuta, commonly known as the globe mallow bee or globemallow chimney bee, is a solitary bee species in the family Apidae, tribe Emphorini. It is native to North and Central America and is primarily associated with flowers in the genus Sphaeralcea (globe mallows). The species has been documented exhibiting host-switching behavior, utilizing alternative mallow species such as Iliamna latibracteata when its preferred host plants are unavailable. Like other chimney bees, females construct distinctive turret-like nest entrances.
Diadasia enavata
Sunflower Chimney Bee
Diadasia enavata, commonly known as the sunflower chimney bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Apidae. It is a specialist pollinator restricted to plants in the Asteraceae family, and has been documented pollinating Coreopsis tinctoria. The species occurs across Central America and North America. Like other Diadasia species, it constructs burrows in soil, often with distinctive turret-like structures at the entrance.
Diadasia laticauda
Diadasia laticauda is a solitary bee species in the family Apidae, described by Cockerell in 1905. It belongs to the genus Diadasia, which comprises ground-nesting bees commonly known as cactus bees due to their specialized association with cactus pollen. Like other members of its genus, D. laticauda is likely a pollen specialist, though specific host plant associations for this species remain poorly documented. The species is native to North America.
Diadasia nigrifrons
Black-fronted turret bee
Diadasia nigrifrons is a species of solitary bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the black-fronted turret bee. Like other members of the genus Diadasia, it is a ground-nesting bee that constructs distinctive turrets at its nest entrance. The species is native to North America and is part of a diverse genus of bees that specialize on particular host plants for pollen collection.
Diadasia ochracea
Ochraceous Chimney Bee
Diadasia ochracea, commonly known as the ochraceous chimney bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Apidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Diadasia, it is likely a pollen specialist, though specific host plants for this species are not documented in available sources.
Diadasia rinconis
Cactus Bee
Diadasia rinconis is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the cactus bee. In the Sonoran Desert, it feeds almost exclusively on native cactus species, with its life cycle closely tied to cactus flowering phenology. Males form large mating aggregations where hundreds or thousands patrol nesting areas and compete in "mating balls" for access to emerging females. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females possessing specialized pollen-collecting structures and males showing elongated hind legs.
Dianthidium
Pebble bees, resin bees
Dianthidium is a genus of solitary bees in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as pebble bees or resin bees. The genus comprises at least 20 described species in North America. These bees are distinguished by their use of plant resins in nest construction, gathering resins from various plant sources to build and seal their nest cells. They are cavity-nesting bees that utilize pre-existing hollows such as beetle borings in dead wood or hollow twigs. Dianthidium species are important pollinators and serve as hosts for parasitic wasps in the family Leucospidae.
Dianthidium arizonicum
Arizona Pebble Bee
Dianthidium arizonicum is a species of resin bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Rohwer in 1916. It is native to the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona. Like other members of the genus Dianthidium, it is a solitary bee that constructs nests using plant resins. The species has been documented nesting in artificial bee blocks, indicating adaptability to human-provided nesting structures.
Dianthidium curvatum
Curved Pebble Bee
Dianthidium curvatum is a species of solitary bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Curved Pebble Bee. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus of bees that construct nests using resin and pebbles. Like other members of the genus Dianthidium, it is a cavity-nesting bee that provisions its nests with pollen and nectar. The species has been documented in bee block observations, indicating its use of artificial nesting substrates.
Dianthidium curvatum curvatum
A subspecies of resin bee in the family Megachilidae, Dianthidium curvatum curvatum belongs to a genus of solitary bees known for constructing nests using plant resins. The species epithet "curvatum" refers to a curved structural feature, likely of the mandible or other mouthpart. As with other Dianthidium species, this bee is a cavity nester that provisions its cells with pollen and nectar.
Dianthidium floridiense
Florida Pebble Bee
Dianthidium floridiense is a species of resin bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Florida Pebble Bee. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus of solitary bees that construct nests using plant resins. Like other Dianthidium species, females likely nest in pre-existing cavities such as hollow twigs or beetle borings in dead wood, partitioning cells with resin walls and sealing the entrance with a resin plug. The species is part of a group known as "pebble bees" or "resin bees" due to their distinctive nest construction behavior.
Dianthidium pudicum
Modest Pebble Bee
Dianthidium pudicum, commonly known as the Modest Pebble Bee, is a species of resin bee in the family Megachilidae. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus characterized by nesting in pre-existing cavities and using resin to construct and seal nest cells. Like other Dianthidium species, it is a solitary bee that provisions its nests with pollen and nectar for its offspring. The species has been documented in bee block monitoring studies, indicating its use of artificial nesting structures in urban and suburban environments.
Dianthidium pudicum consimile
Dianthidium pudicum consimile is a subspecies of resin bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Ashmead in 1896. As a member of the genus Dianthidium, it is part of a group of solitary bees known for constructing nest partitions and plugs from plant resins. The subspecies occurs in Middle and North America, though specific details about its biology and distribution remain limited in available sources.
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.
Dianthidium texanum
Texas Pebble Bee
Dianthidium texanum is a species of resin bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Texas Pebble Bee. Native to North and Middle America, this solitary bee constructs nests in pre-existing cavities such as hollow twigs or beetle borings, using resin to partition cells and seal the nest entrance. The species has been documented in bee block monitoring studies and is known to be parasitized by leucospid wasps. Adults are active during summer months and visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Dieunomia
Dieunomia is a genus of sweat bees in the family Halictidae, containing approximately nine described species. These bees are among the largest in their family, second only to the genus Nomia. They are relatively uncommon and exhibit specialized ecological relationships with their pollen sources.
Dieunomia triangulifera
Dieunomia triangulifera is a solitary sweat bee (Halictidae) specialized on sunflower pollen. It occurs in the central United States, where it forms large nesting aggregations of up to 150,000 nests. The species exhibits tight phenological synchrony with its host plant Helianthus annuus, emerging and provisioning nests to coincide with peak pollen availability. Males engage in attempted forced matings at emergence, while actual courtship occurs later.
Dioxys productus
Dioxys productus is a species of solitary bee in the family Megachilidae, tribe Dioxyini. The species was described by Cresson in 1879 and is known from North America and Middle America. Members of the genus Dioxys are cleptoparasitic bees that lay their eggs in the nests of other megachilid bees.
Dufourea novaeangliae
Pickerelweed Shortface
Dufourea novaeangliae is a solitary bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the Pickerelweed Shortface. It is an oligolectic (specialist) pollinator exclusively associated with pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), a semi-aquatic plant. The species occurs in north-eastern and north-central North America, with confirmed records from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, and Vermont. It is phylogenetically distant from honey bees and possesses the smallest odorant receptor repertoire (112 ORs) among fully sequenced bee genomes.
Dufourea oenotherae
Dufourea oenotherae is a species of short-faced bee in the family Halictidae, described by Timberlake in 1939. The specific epithet 'oenotherae' indicates an association with evening primrose (Oenothera), suggesting a specialized host relationship. Members of the genus Dufourea are typically oligolectic, collecting pollen from a narrow range of host plants. The species is known from North America.
Eucera actuosa
Eucera actuosa is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae. It was described by Cresson in 1879 and is found in North America. As a member of the genus Eucera, it belongs to a group of solitary bees commonly known as squash bees due to their specialized pollination of cucurbit crops. The species is part of the tribe Eucerini, which is characterized by males with notably long antennae.