Solitary Bee

There exist solitary bees that are native to most regions of the world. In this classification of bees, there is no queen bee, and therefore every female is fertile. There are no worker bees for these species, as essentially laying females act as both a worker and queen in and of her self. Solitary bees typically don’t produce honey or beeswax on a harvestable scale.

Solitary bees are especially important as pollinators as many feral social bees are in danger, due to dwindling numbers and parasites.

comments (5)

Bridget Charity Rendall

Grizzly Bear

I would like to be completely sure what type of solitary bee this - beside this piece of wood was a dead, dried out sunflower and these bees were also flying in and out of the leaves, presumably laying eggs. Could anyone help to identify this one for me. If it helps the buff colour on closer inspection is part of the bees hairdo. Posted 12 years ago, modified 12 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Bridget, the section "Picture parade" of this page....
  
  http://www.earthlife.net/insects/solbees.html
  
  ...shows various illustrations of many Solitary Bees when you click the links. Still makes it very difficult though :) Posted 12 years ago
2. 1. Bridget Charity Rendall
    
    Grizzly Bear
    
    Thank you I will have a look at the link, been scouting all over the internet trying to find a precise ID but as you say it is difficult. Posted 12 years ago

Claire Hamilton

Lion

That is fascinating! Thank you for the knowledge! Posted 12 years ago
1. Bridget Charity Rendall
  
  Grizzly Bear
  
  It is very fascinating Claire, difficult to ID though but not going to give up :) Posted 12 years ago