Teddy Bear Bee

Appearance

The common name seems obvious as these bees are covered all over with rich golden fur although the males my have seven dark bands on the abdomen.
About the size of a European honey bee but more rounded shape like a bumble bee.
Females build a nest usually in or near the ground containing several cells.

Naming

Saropoda bombiformis Smith, 1854 (synonym)

Distribution

Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, New Guinea

Status

Least concern

Behavior

Solitary bees

Habitat

Drier areas but near water tracts.

Predators

Cuckoo wasp (Thyreus lugubris)