Vernal-bee
Guides
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 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 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.