• Family: Megachilidae
• Approximate # species in region: 3
• Common name: small resin bees

Heriades are small dark megachilids that frequent gardens, meadows, and wooded edges in late spring and early summer. Like all non-parasitic megachilids, female Heriades carry pollen in a dense brush of scopal hairs beneath their abdomen. They use plant resins to construct nests in aboveground cavities, including hollow stems.

Heriades‘ elongate body and very small size are relatively distinctive among megachilids in the northeastern US. Some Hoplitis are a similar shape and size, but have green eyes (rather than black or gray). Also note that the thorax and abdomen of Heriades often appear roughened due to the numerous large pits scattered about the surface of the integument.

Regional Species List: