Colletes Cellophane Bees
Colletes
Colletidae
Colletes
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Description
Colletes are medium, fuzzy bees, with a triangular hairy face (eyes converging below). They often have a hair-striped, tapered and thick abdomen, which may appear hunched. Long scopae are present on their hind legs. Forewing has 3 submarginal cells and an S-shaped Second Recurrent Vein that is distinctive.
Nectar/
Pollen Plants
Colletes are mostly generalists.
Habits
Most Colletes are ground nesters in open areas, sometimes in aggregations. Nests may be 5 feet deep! Females line cell walls with multi-layered, polyester-like secretions, produced by a Dufour's gland in the abdomen (applied via the stinger), combined with salivary secretions (applied by their forked, brush-like glossa) to line nest tunnels. These cellophane-like layers are resistant to mold and water.
Season
March - Fall
