Tag: cellophane bee
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Colletes
Colletes are small to medium-sized bees with strong abdominal banding. They are named for the thin cellophane-like lining that they use to line brood cells. Colletes in our area range from common garden bees to species so rare they are practically unknown to science. All Colletes nest in the ground – a few species form…
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Rufous-backed cellophane bee (Colletes thoracicus)
Colletidae > Colletes > Colletes thoracicus Rufous-backed cellophane bee (Colletes thoracicus) is the latest of the three spring-flying spring Colletes. This is a “suburban” bee of mid-Atlantic and southern New England states, often occurring in lawns, backyards, and parks. C. thoracicus nests in well-draining soils and is known to associate in massive nesting aggregations that…
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Unequal cellophane bee (Colletes inaequalis)
Colletidae > Colletes > Colletes inaequalis Unequal cellophane bee (Colletes inaequalis) carries spring on its wings. It is one of the earliest species active in the year, and can even be found when snow is still on the ground. This is a “suburban” bee, typically nesting in sunny lawns, cemeteries, and well trafficked park paths…