Scientific Name:
Colletes spp
Description
Native, ground-nesting bee with striped yellow and black abdomen, only slightly smaller than a honeybee. They belong to the family called Colletidae.
Behaviors
These solitary insects will not sting you. They build small colonies of 7-8 young, underground, in sandy soil.
Fun Facts
These amazing creatures manufacture a waterproof polymer similar to polyester, and use it to line their underground nest, keeping the young offspring dry and mold-free. Hence the name cellophane bee!
Photo by Carol Hoffman