California Resin-Leafcutter Bee
Trachusa perdita
Megachilidae
Trachusa
 Describe your image |  Describe your image |
|---|---|
 Describe your image |  Describe your image |
 Describe your image |  Describe your image |
Description
Trachusa perdita is a black bee with pale stripes on abdomen and grayish hair elsewhere. Male bees have a white/cream-colored clypeus ("lower face"). They are ground-nesters, so can be confused with digger bees (look for pollen-carrying scopa on underside of abdomen in females, and pock-marked thorax).
Nectar/
Pollen Plants
Trachusa perdita is associated with Brodiaea, Lupinus, and Calochortus. It may visit other flowers.
Habits
Nest in the ground, with 6-inch tunnels having cells (~4) at the end. Cells are made with leaves cemented together with plant resin or pitch. These bees appear to remain at the nest and protect it (personal observation). Overall uncommon, but found in the Black Point and Rock City areas of Mount Diablo (and likely elsewhere).
Season
April - June
