Pollinator Species at Flight 93 National Memorial

  • Agapostemon virescens
    Agapostemon virescens
  • Andrena cressoni
    Andrena cressoni
  • Andrena fenningeri
    Andrena fenningeri
  • Andrena vicina
    Andrena vicina
  • Anthidium manicatum
    Anthidium manicatum
  • Anthophora terminalis
    Anthophora terminalis
  • Apis mellifera
    Apis mellifera
  • Augochlora pura
    Augochlora pura
  • Augochlorella aurata
    Augochlorella aurata
  • Augochloropsis metallica
    Augochloropsis metallica
  • Bombus bimaculatus
    Bombus bimaculatus
  • Bombus Fervidus
    Bombus fervidus
  • Bombus Griseocollis
    Bombus griseocollis
  • Bombus Impatiens
    Bombus impatiens
  • Bombus Vagans
    Bombus vagans
  • Calliopsis Andreniformis
    Calliopsis andreniformis
  • Ceratina Dupla
    Ceratina dupla
  • Ceratina Mikmaqi
    Ceratina mikmaqi
  • Ceratina strenua
    Ceratina strenua
  • Coelioxys moesta
    Coelioxys moesta
  • Coelioxys rufitarsis
    Coelioxys rufitarsis
  • Colletes Simulans
    Colletes simulans
  • Eucera Hamata
    Eucera hamata
  • Halictus Confusus
    Halictus confusus
  • Halictus Ligatus
    Halictus ligatus
  • Halictus Rubicundis
    Halictus rubicundis
  • Hoplitis pilosifrons
    Hoplitis pilosifrons
  • Hoplitis spoliata
    Hoplitis spoliata
  • Hylaeus annulatus
    Hylaeus annulatus
  • Hylaeus illinoisensis
    Hylaeus illinoisensis
  • Hylaeus mesillae
    Hylaeus mesillae
  • Hylaeus modestus
    Hylaeus modestus
  • Lasioglossum Dialictus
    Lasioglossum (Dialictus) sp.
  • Lasioglossum Evylaeus
    Lasioglossum (Evylaeus) sp.
  • Megachile addenda
    Megachile addenda
  • Megachile campanulae
    Megachile campanulae
  • Megachile frigida
    Megachile frigida
  • Megachile gemula
    Megachile gemula
  • Megachile inermis
    Megachile inermis
  • Megachile latimanus
    Megachile latimanus
  • Megachile montivaga
    Megachile montivaga
  • Megachile mucida
    Megachile mucida
  • Megachile pugnata
    Megachile pugnata
  • #Megachile relativa
    Megachile relativa
  • Megachile sculpturalis
    Megachile sculpturalis
  • Megachile texana
    Megachile texana
  • Melissodes agilis
    Melissodes agilis
  • Melissodes denticulatus
    Melissodes denticulatus
  • Melissodes desponsus
    Melissodes desponsus
  • Melissodes druriellus
    Melissodes druriellus
  • Melissodes trinodis
    Melissodes trinodis
  • Melitta americana
    Melitta americana
  • Nomada
    Nomada sp.
  • Osmia atriventris
    Osmia atriventris
  • Osmia cornifrons
    Osmia cornifrons
  • Osmia pumila
    Osmia pumila
  • Osmia texana
    Osmia texana
  • Peponapis pruinosa
    Peponapis pruinosa
  • Ptilothrix bombiformis
    Ptilothrix bombiformis
  • Triepeolus donatus
    Triepeolus donatus
  • Xylocopa virginica
    Xylocopa virginica
Christian Adams

Bi-Colored Sweat Bee

Agapostemon virescens

** FUN FACT **
Agapostemon means "stamen-loving!"

Can you spot this bee?
The Bi-Colored Sweat Bee has a metallic green head and thorax. Its abdomen is black with white stripes. It is only about 2/5 inches long!

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) but is gregarious (meaning it will nest near a lot of its fellow bees, each in their own nest) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
Andrena Cressoni

Yellow-Legged Miner Bee

Andrena cressoni

** FUN FACT**
Andrena means "buzzing insect!"

Can you spot this bee?
The Yellow-Legged Miner Bee has bands on pale hair on its abdomen. The males of this species have a yellow "mask" on their face!

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!
Sources:
Andrena fenningeri

Maple Miner Bee

Andrena fenningeri

** FUN FACT **
Andrena means "buzzing insect!"

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
Andrena vicina

Neighborly Miner Bee

Andrena vicina

** FUN FACT **
Andrena means "buzzing insect!"

This bee was named "Neighborly" because it has adapted to live in more developed areas such as towns and cities.

Can you spot this bee?
The Neighborly Miner Bee females have black heads and abdomens, thorax with light brown hairs, and a segment of white hair on the top segment in their front and middle legs. The males have dark abdomens and pale hair on their face and thorax. These bees are only 2/5-1/2 inches long!

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
Anthidium manicatum

European Wool Carder Bee

Anthidium manicatum

Anthidium means "little flower visitor!"

** FUN FACT **
These bees are called "wool carder" bees because they line their nests with plant hairs scraped from plants like lamb's ear!
These bees are non-native to the United States. They were accidently introduced mid-20th century and first spotted along the east coast in the 1960s.

Can you spot this bee?
The European Wool Carder Bee has a wide body and is black with vivid yellow marking. These bees are ½-1" long.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and is nests in pre-existing cavities.

Sources:
Anthophora terminalis

Red-Tipped Wood-Digger Bee

Athophora terminalis

** FUN FACT **
Anthophora means "flower-bearer!"

** BUZZ POLLINATOR **
This bee practices "buzz pollination." It uses its wing muscles (without flapping its wings) to vibrate the blooms, shaking them until the flowers release the nutritious pollen.

This video has information and examples of Buzz Pollination!
"A short introduction to buzz pollination with a simple demonstration of what is happening that you can create yourself with a few readily available items."
--Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Can you spot this bee?
The Red-Tipped Wood-Digger Bee is generally robust and furry in appearance. Both the head and thorax are covered in fluffs of pale hair. The abdomen is pitch black with defined white bands of hair. These bees have dark legs, red feet, and green eyes. They are ½" long.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and nest is pithy stems or rotted wood.

Sources:
Apis mellifera

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Apis means "swarm" and mellifera means "honey-bearing!"

** FUN FACT **
These bees are non-native to the United States. They were introduced by the Pilgrims over 350 years ago but are originally from tropical Africa! Approximately 30% of U.S. food production (worth about 15 BILLION) depends on honey bee pollination!

Can you spot this bee?
The European Honey Bee has a brown abdomen with black stripes and has black eyes. These bees are 3/8-5/8" long.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is social (meaning it nests in a colony and shares the workload). In addition to kept hives, these bees prefer to nest in dark, enclosed spaces.

Sources:
  • SHARP, S., & EATMAN, R. (2019). WILD BEE ID GUIDE - ROCKEFELLER STATE PARK. NYBEE-16DEC2019. HTTPS://WWW.SHARPEATMANGUIDES.COM/ROCKEFELLER-STATE-PARK-BEES-NEW-YORK
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
  • Shepard, B. M., Farnworth, E. G., Williams, D., Bisner, A., & Lowcountry Biodiversity Foundation. (2019). Insect Pollinators of the South Carolina and Georgia Lowcountry. Lowcountry Biodiversity Foundation.
Augochlora pura

Pure Golden-Green Sweat Bee

Augochlora pura

** FUN FACT **
This bee can produce up to 3 generations in one year!

Can you spot this bee?
The Pure Golden-Green Sweat Bee has a brilliant green head that is roughly hexagonal in shape. This bee is approximately 3/10" in length.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and nests under the bark of rotting trees.

Sources:
  • SHARP, S., & EATMAN, R. (2019). WILD BEE ID GUIDE - ROCKEFELLER STATE PARK. NYBEE-16DEC2019. HTTPS://WWW.SHARPEATMANGUIDES.COM/ROCKEFELLER-STATE-PARK-BEES-NEW-YORK
  • Shepard, B. M., Farnworth, E. G., Williams, D., Bisner, A., & Lowcountry Biodiversity Foundation. (2019). Insect Pollinators of the South Carolina and Georgia Lowcountry. Lowcountry Biodiversity Foundation.
Augochlorella aurata

Golden Sweat Bee

Augochlorella aurata

Can you spot this bee?
The Golden Sweat Bee ranges from pale-green to yellow-green to coppery-green. It is only 1/5" in length!

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) but is gregarious (meaning it will nest near a lot of its fellow bees, each in their own nest) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
Augochloropsis metallica

Metallic Epauletted Sweat Bee

Augochloropsis metallica

Can you spot this bee?
The Metallic Epauletted Sweat Bee has a brilliant yellow-green body, green eyes ad dark antennae. This bee is only 3/10" long.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) but is gregarious (meaning it will nest near a lot of its fellow bees, each in their own nest) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
Bombus bimaculatus

Two-Spotted Bumble Bee

Bombus bimaculatus

** FUN FACT**
Bombus means "a buzzing sound!"

** BUZZ POLLINATOR **
This bee practices "buzz pollination." It uses its wing muscles (without flapping its wings) to vibrate the blooms, shaking them until the flowers release the nutritious pollen.

This video has information and examples of Buzz Pollination!
"A short introduction to buzz pollination with a simple demonstration of what is happening that you can create yourself with a few readily available items."" --Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Can you spot this bee?
The Two-Spotted Bumble Bee has a black spot on the thorax between the wings, and a wide plump body with thick flush hair. This bee ranges from 2/5-4/5" in length.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is social (meaning it nests in a colony) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
Bombus fervidus

Golden Northern Bumble Bee

Bombus fervidis

** FUN FACT **
Bombus means "a buzzing sound!""

** BUZZ POLLINATOR **
This bee practices "buzz pollination." It uses its wing muscles (without flapping its wings) to vibrate the blooms, shaking them until the flowers release the nutritious pollen.

This video has information and examples of Buzz Pollination!
"A short introduction to buzz pollination with a simple demonstration of what is happening that you can create yourself with a few readily available items." --Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Can you spot this bee?
The Golden Northern Bumble Bee is predominantly yellow with a black bar over the thorax. It has a black head and black legs. This bee is 3/5-4/5: in length.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is social (meaning it nests in a colony) and is an above-ground nester, with combs hidden under debris such as grass or bird feathers.

Sources:
Bombus griseocollis

Brown-Belted Bumble Bee

Bombus griseocollis

** FUN FACT **
Bombus means "a buzzing sound!"

** BUZZ POLLINATOR **
This bee practices "buzz pollination." It uses its wing muscles (without flapping its wings) to vibrate the blooms, shaking them until the flowers release the nutritious pollen.

This video has information and examples of Buzz Pollination!
"A short introduction to buzz pollination with a simple demonstration of what is happening that you can create yourself with a few readily available items." --Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Can you spot this bee?
The Brown-Belted Bumble Bee has trim fur. A belt of brown hair is located near the front of the black abdomen. It ranges 2/5-9/10" in length.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is social (meaning it nests in a colony) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
Bombus impatiens

Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Bombus impatiens

** FUN FACT **
Bombus means "a buzzing sound!"

** BUZZ POLLINATOR **
This bee practices "buzz pollination." It uses its wing muscles (without flapping its wings) to vibrate the blooms, shaking them until the flowers release the nutritious pollen.

This video has information and examples of Buzz Pollination!
"A short introduction to buzz pollination with a simple demonstration of what is happening that you can create yourself with a few readily available items." --Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Can you spot this bee?
The Common Easter Bumble Bee has a black and gold furry body with a black spot on the thorax. The head, eyes, antennae, and legs are all black. The abdomen is striped with black hair.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is social (meaning it nests in a colony) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
Bombus vagans

Half-Black Bumble Bee

Bombus vagans

** FUN FACT **
Bombus means "a buzzing sound!"

The male Half-Black Bumble Bee will grab other bumble bees from behind and YANK them off a flower to protect its food source!

** BUZZ POLLINATOR **
This bee practices "buzz pollination." It uses its wing muscles (without flapping its wings) to vibrate the blooms, shaking them until the flowers release the nutritious pollen.

This video has information and examples of Buzz Pollination!
"A short introduction to buzz pollination with a simple demonstration of what is happening that you can create yourself with a few readily available items." --Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Can you spot this bee?
The Half-Black Bumble Bee is yellow on top and black on the bottom. It has long, shaggy looking hairs and ranges 3/5-4/5" long.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is social (meaning it nests in a colony) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
Calliopsis andreniformis

Eastern Miner Bee

Calliopsis andreniformis

** FUN FACT **
Calliopsis means "beautiful!"

The female of this species secretes an oily substance that she places on the walls of the egg chambers and nectar/pollen stores. It acts as WATERPROOFING!

Can you spot this bee?
The Eastern Miner Bee has a dark thorax, and a dark abdomen with bands of pale hair. IT has bright green eyes and is robustly shaped. The male has a yellow face and legs. This bee is approximately ½" long.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is social (meaning it nests in a colony) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
Ceratina dupla

Doubled Carpenter Bee

Ceratina dupla

** FUN FACT**
This species nests in the same twigs as the Mi'kmaq Carpenter Bee, but they nest early in the season - which prevents the species competing for nesting space!

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and prefers to nest in dead plant stems.

Sources:
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
Ceratina mikmaqi

Mi'kmaq Little Carpenter Bee

Ceratina mikmaqi

**FUN FACT**
This species nests in the same twigs as the Doubled Carpenter Bee, but they nest late in the season - which prevents the species competing for nesting space!

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and prefers to nest in dead plant stems.

Sources:
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
Ceratina strenua

Nimble Carpenter Bee

Ceratina strenua

** FUN FACT**
The female of this species is "nest loyal" - which means she cares for her eggs from the moment of laying them until they have reached adulthood. This is very rare in bee species!

Can you spot this bee?
The Nimble Carpenter Bee is nearly hairless and ranges 1/6-1/5" in length.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and prefers to nest in dead wood of dead plant stems.

Sources:
  • SHARP, S., & EATMAN, R. (2019). WILD BEE ID GUIDE - ROCKEFELLER STATE PARK. NYBEE-16DEC2019. HTTPS://WWW.SHARPEATMANGUIDES.COM/ROCKEFELLER-STATE-PARK-BEES-NEW-YORK
  • Shepard, B. M., Farnworth, E. G., Williams, D., Bisner, A., & Lowcountry Biodiversity Foundation. (2019). Insect Pollinators of the South Carolina and Georgia Lowcountry. Lowcountry Biodiversity Foundation.
Coelioxys moesta

Sad Cuckoo Leafcutter Bee

Coelioxys moesta

** FUN FACT**
Coelioxys means "sharp belly!"

This bee species preys upon the Relative Leafcutter Bee - which is ALSO found at Flight 93 National Memorial. Cuckoo bees are proof of a healthy and diverse ecosystem.

Can you spot this bee?
The Sad Cuckoo Leafcutter Bee has a black thorax, red legs and a very pointy abdomen.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!
This bee does NOT POLLINATE flowers or gather pollen! This is because it uses the work of other bees gathering pollen to feed its eggs. It does still visit blooms for nectar to eat!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is a cleoparasite (meaning it lays its eggs in another bee's nest). It uses its pointy abdomen to break a hole in the host bee's nest, then lays its own egg in the egg chamber with the host egg and food supply. The parasite egg hatches almost immediately, and the larvae kills the host larvae or egg. It then eats the pollen store given to the host egg, becomes an adult, and continues this process.

Sources:
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
Coelioxys rufitarsis

Red-Footed Cuckoo Leafcutter Bee

Coelioxys rufitarsis

** FUN FACT**
Coelioxys means "sharp belly!"

This bee species preys upon other species of leafcutter bee-12 species of which are ALSO found at Flight 93 National Memorial. Cuckoo bees are proof of a healthy and diverse ecosystem.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!
This bee does NOT POLLINATE flowers or gather pollen! This is because it uses the work of other bees gathering pollen to feed its eggs. It does still visit blooms for nectar to eat!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is a cleoparasite (meaning it lays its eggs in another bee's nest). It uses its pointy abdomen to break a hole in the host bee's nest, then lays its own egg in the egg chamber with the host egg and food supply. The parasite egg hatches almost immediately, and the larvae kills the host larvae or egg. It then eats the pollen store given to the host egg, becomes an adult, and continues this process.

Sources:
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
Colletes simulans

Armed Cellophane Bee

Colletes simulans

** FUN FACT**
Colletes means "one who glues!"

This species lines nests with a waterproofing substance they secrete which hardens and forms a cellophane-like material!

Can you spot this bee?
This bee has spines of both sides and the front of the thorax. It is bulky in appearance and has well-defined white hair bands circling its abdomen. It ranges 1/3-2/5" in length.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) but is gregarious (meaning it will nest near a lot of its fellow bees, each in their own nest) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
Eucera hamata

Hooked Long-Horn Bee

Eucera hamata

** FUN FACT**
Eucera mean "well-horned!"

The males of this species sleep clutching onto flower stems or onto twigs!

Can you spot this bee?
The Hooked Long-Horn Bee is generally large and hairy.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and prefers to nest in the ground

Sources:
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
Halictus confusus

Confusing Sweat Bee

Halictus confusus

** FUN FACT**
Halictus means "gathering or collecting!"

Can you spot this bee?
The Confusing Sweat Bee has a thorax that is greenish/bluish/brassy. The abdomen has pale stripes and the legs are vivid yellow and orange. The length range is 1/5-1/3".

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
Halictus ligatus

Ligated Gregarious Sweat Bee

Halictus ligatus

** FUN FACT**
Halictus means "gathering or collecting!" These bees are SO SMALL, they must be careful when collecting nectar and/or pollen from milkweed. If they fall in, they can get trapped and die!

Can you spot this bee?
The Ligated Gregarious Sweat Bee has a dark brown or black abdomen with pale stripes of hair. The jaw is sharply defined. It ranges in length 1/5-1/3".

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) but is gregarious (meaning it will nest near a lot of its fellow bees, each in their own nest) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
Halictus rubicundis

Orange-Legged Sweat Bee

Halictus rubicundis

** FUN FACT**
Halictus means "gathering or collecting!" The climate affects this species nesting behavior! In a warmer climate, they are social nesters and share work. In a cooler climate, they are solitary nesters!

Can you spot this bee?
The Orange-Legged Sweat Bee has a dark brown abdomen with well-defined white bands of hair. Females have reddish-orange legs and males have yellow legs. This species is 2/5" in length.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) but is gregarious (meaning it will nest near a lot of its fellow bees, each in their own nest) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
Hoplitis pilosifrons

Hairy-Faced Summer Mason Bee

Hoplitis pilosifrons

** FUN FACT**
Hoplitis species were names after the Hoplites who were Greek citizen soldiers more than 3,000 years ago! These soldiers carried distinctive shields and spear. These bees bear NO RESEMBLANCE to the soldiers!

Can you spot this bee?
The Hairy-Faced Summer Mason Bee has needle-thin hooks on the ends of its antennae.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone).

Sources:
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
Hoplitis spoliata

Robber Mason Bee

Hoplitis spoliata

** FUN FACT**
Hoplitis species were names after the Hoplites who were Greek citizen soldiers more than 3,000 years ago! These soldiers carried distinctive shields and spear. These bees bear NO RESEMBLANCE to the soldiers!

Can you spot this bee?
The Robber Mason Bee has needle-thin hooks on the ends of its antennae.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone).

Sources:
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
Hylaeus annulatus

Annulate Masked Bee

Hylaeus annulatus

** FUN FACT**
Hylaeus means "of the woods!"
The females of Hylaeus species secrete an antifungal and antibacterial chemical from the base of the mandibles that has a citrus-like scent. It is used in building the nests.

Can you spot this bee?
The Annulate Masked Bee has face markings that extend up beside the eyes and are either yellow or white. This species has very little hair and no metallic shine. It is narrow waisted (similar to a wasp).

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone). It nests in woody materials with premade holes.

Sources:
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
Hylaeus-illinoisensis

Illinois Masked Bee

Hylaeus illinoisensis

** FUN FACT**
Hylaeus means "of the woods!"
The females of Hylaeus species secrete an antifungal and antibacterial chemical from the base of the mandibles that has a citrus-like scent. It is used in building the nests.

Can you spot this bee?
The Illinois Masked Bee has face markings that extend up beside the eyes and are either yellow or white. This species has very little hair and no metallic shine. It is narrow waisted (similar to a wasp).

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone). It nests in woody materials with premade holes.

Sources:
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
Hylaeus mesillae

Mesilla Valley Masked Bee

Hylaeus mesillae

** FUN FACT**
Hylaeus means "of the woods!"
The females of Hylaeus species secrete an antifungal and antibacterial chemical from the base of the mandibles that has a citrus-like scent. It is used in building the nests.

Can you spot this bee?
The Mesilla Valley Masked Bee has face markings that extend up beside the eyes and are either yellow or white. This species has very little hair and no metallic shine. It is narrow waisted (similar to a wasp).

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone). It nests in woody materials with premade holes.

Sources:
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
Hylaeus modestus

Modest Masked Bee

Hylaeus modestus

** FUN FACT**
Hylaeus means "of the woods!"
The females of Hylaeus species secrete an antifungal and antibacterial chemical from the base of the mandibles that has a citrus-like scent. It is used in building the nests.

Can you spot this bee?
The Mesilla Valley Masked Bee has face markings that extend up beside the eyes and are either yellow or white. This species has very little hair and no metallic shine. It is narrow waisted (similar to a wasp). It has yellow markings on all six (6) legs and a collar of yellow lining the front of the thorax. Females have two (2) yellow triangles on the face. This species is 2/5" in length.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone). It nests in woody materials with premade holes.

Sources:
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
Lasioglossum Dialictus

Dark Metallic Sweat Bee

Lasioglossum (Dialictus) sp.

** FUN FACT**
These species are the smallest bees found in the United States!

Can you spot this bee?
The Dark Metallic Sweat Bee has a dark green/bronze/blue sheen.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
Lasioglossum Evylaeus

Dark Striped Sweat Bee

Lasioglossum (Evylaeus) sp.

** FUN FACT**
These species build a turret of mud around the top of their nest entrances!

Can you spot this bee?
The Dark Striped Sweat Bee is dark and lacks metallic coloration. It is long and slender, almost ant-like in appearance. It ranges in length 1/6-1/4".

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
Megachile addenda

Megachile Addenda Leafcutter Bee

Megachile addenda

** FUN FACT**
Megachile means "large-lipped!"

The female of the species chews the leaf around her feet, then free-falls with the piece of leaf until she can fly. She takes it back to her nest to create a leaf capsule for each egg. Each egg capsule takes 1.5- 3 hours to construct and provision!

This video shows how the bee chews through the leaf!
-Video by Erica Seigel

Can you spot this bee?
The Megachile Addenda Leafcutter Bee is large with a thick, dark head and body. It has well-defined bands of pale hair on its black abdomen. It has dark, olive-green eyes and distinctive mandibles. It ranges 2/5-1/2" in length.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) but is gregarious (meaning it will nest near a lot of its fellow bees, each in their own nest) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
Megachile-campanulae

Bellflower Resin Bee

Megachile campanulae

** FUN FACT**
Megachile means "largelipped!"
The female of the species collects sticky plant and tree resins to seal egg chambers closed inside the nest!

Can you spot this bee?
The Bellflower Resin Bee has a long, black abdomen with pale hair that is pitted with small indentations and has distinctive mandibles. It ranges in length 3/10-2/5".

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest? This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and nests in hollow stems or tunnels left in wood by other insects.

Sources:
Megachile frigida

Frigid Leafcutter Bee

Megachile frigida

** FUN FACT**
Megachile means "large-lipped!"

The male of the species are exceptionally loud "buzzers" and are very conspicuous when in a field around you!

The female of the species chews the leaf around her feet, then free-falls with the piece of leaf until she can fly. She takes it back to her nest to create a leaf capsule for each egg. Each egg capsule takes 1.5-3 hours to construct and provision!

This video shows how the bee chews through the leaf!
-Video by Erica Seigel

Can you spot this bee?
The Frigid Leafcutter Bee is 2/5-3/5" in length. The female has bright orange scopa hairs under the abdomen for pollen collection. Males have enlarged, pale front legs with long hairs as well as orange and black markings.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and nests in hollow stems or tunnels left in wood by other insects.

Sources:
Megachile gemula

Small-Handed Leafcutter Bee

Megachile gemula

** FUN FACT**
Megachile means "large-lipped!"

The Small-Handed Leafcutter Bee earned its name because its tari (or "toes") are short and slender!

The female of the species chews the leaf around her feet, then free-falls with the piece of leaf until she can fly. She takes it back to her nest to create a leaf capsule for each egg. Each egg capsule takes 1.5-3 hours to construct and provision!

This video shows how the bee chews through the leaf!
-Video by Erica Seigel

Can you spot this bee?
The Small-Handed Leafcutter Bee is 1/3-1/2" in length. The species has a black head, body, legs, and antennae. It has dark eyes.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and nests in hollow stems or tunnels left in wood by other insects.

Sources:
Megachile inermis

Unarmed Leafcutter Bee

Megachile inermis

** FUN FACT**
Megachile means "large-lipped!"

The female of the species chews the leaf around her feet, then free-falls with the piece of leaf until she can fly. She takes it back to her nest to create a leaf capsule for each egg. Each egg capsule takes 1.5-3 hours to construct and provision!

This video shows how the bee chews through the leaf!
-Video by Erica Seigel

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
Megachile latimanus

Broad-Handed Leafcutter Bee

Megachile latimadnus

** FUN FACT**
Megachile means "large-lipped!"

The female of the species chews the leaf around her feet, then free-falls with the piece of leaf until she can fly. She takes it back to her nest to create a leaf capsule for each egg. Each egg capsule takes 1.5-3 hours to construct and provision!

This video shows how the bee chews through the leaf!
-Video by Erica Seigel

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
Megachile montivaga

Silver-Tailed Petal-Cutter Bee

Megachile montivaga

** FUN FACT**
Megachile means "large-lipped!"

This species uses FLOWERS, not leaves, to line the nest! It is very particular about the flower petals: they must be thin and delicate with a wide surface. Farewell-to-Spring and Evening Primrose are a favorite.

This video shows a petal-cutting bee cutting through a rose petal!
- Video by Aaron

Can you spot this bee?
The Silver-Tailed Petal-Cutter Bee has a slender abdomen with five (5) white bands of hair. The mandibles are both block and distinctive. This species ranges in length 2/5-1/2".

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and nests in hollow stems or tunnels left in wood by other insects.

Sources:
Megachile mucida

Blueberry Leafcutter Bee

Megachile mucida

** FUN FACT**
Megachile means "large-lipped!"

The female of the species chews the leaf around her feet, then free-falls with the piece of leaf until she can fly. She takes it back to her nest to create a leaf capsule for each egg. Each egg capsule takes 1.5-3 hours to construct and provision!

This video shows how the bee chews through the leaf!
-Video by Erica Seigel

Can you spot this bee?
The Blueberry Leafcutter Bee is a robust, black bee with enlarged forelegs that have long white hairs. Not only does this species have distinctive mandibles, it also has green eyes and ranges in length 1/3-1/2".

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and nests in hollow stems or tunnels left in wood by other insects.

Sources:
Megachile pugnata

Pugnacious Leafcutter Bee

Megachile pugnata

** FUN FACT**
Megachile means "large-lipped!"

The female of the species chews the leaf around her feet, then free-falls with the piece of leaf until she can fly. She takes it back to her nest to create a leaf capsule for each egg. Each egg capsule takes 1.5-3 hours to construct and provision!

This video shows how the bee chews through the leaf!
-Video by Erica Seigel

Can you spot this bee?
The Pugnacious Leafcutter Bee has a slender abdomen with well-defined stripes of pale hair. In additional to black heads, bodies, legs, and distinctive mandibles, the female of the species has yellow scopa hairs under the abdomen for pollen collection.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and nests in hollow stems or tunnels left in wood by other insects.

Sources:
Megachile relativa

Relative Leafcutter Bee

Megachile relativa

** FUN FACT**
Megachile means "large-lipped!"

This species is preyed upon by the Sad Cuckoo Leafcutter Bee who breaks into its nest to lay its own eggs! And the Sad Cuckoo Leafcutter Bee is HERE at Flight 93 National Memorial!

** FUN FACT #2!**
The female of the species chews the leaf around her feet, then free-falls with the piece of leaf until she can fly. She takes it back to her nest to create a leaf capsule for each egg. Each egg capsule takes 1.5-3 hours to construct and provision!
This video shows how the bee chews through the leaf!
-Video by Erica Seigel

Can you spot this bee?
The Relative Leafcutter Bee has a black abdomen with stripes of pale hair. In additional to distinctive mandibles, the female of the species has electric orange scopa hairs under the abdomen for pollen collection.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and nests in hollow stems or tunnels left in wood by other insects.

Sources:
Megachile sculpturalis

Sculpture Resin Bee

Megachile sculpturalis

** FUN FACT**
Megachile means "largelipped!"

This species is non-native to the United States. It was recently introduced from the Far East.

Can you spot this bee?
The Sculpture Resin Bee is approximately 1" in length.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
Sources:
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
Megachile texana

Texas Leafcutter Bee

Megachile texana

** FUN FACT**
Megachile means "large-lipped!"

The female of the species chews the leaf around her feet, then free-falls with the piece of leaf until she can fly. She takes it back to her nest to create a leaf capsule for each egg. Each egg capsule takes 1.5-3 hours to construct and provision! This video shows how the bee chews through the leaf!
-Video by Erica Seigel

Can you spot this bee?
The Texas Leafcutter Bee is a dark bee with green eye and an abdomen handed with pale hair. The female has long, bright white scopa hair under the abdomen for collecting pollen. This species is 2/5-1/2" in length.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and is a ground nester. It nests under rocks or other objects, digging shallow tunnels with individual egg chambers. It will occasionally reuse other insects' abandoned nests.

Sources:
Melissodes agilis

Agile Long-Horn Bee

Melissodes agilis

** FUN FACT**
Melissodes means "bee like!"

The males of this species do not have or use a nest. They sleep overnight on flowerheads or clutching to plant stems!

Can you spot this bee?
The Agile Long-Horn Bee has a thorax covered with off-white hairs. The abdomen has pale hair bands. While females have blue-gray eyes, the males have green eyes and ling reddish antennae. This species range in length 1/3-3/5".

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) but is gregarious (meaning it will nest near a lot of its fellow bees, each in their own nest) and is a ground nester. A female can build, provision and lay 1 egg per day. The nest contains two 90 degree turns to act as stoppers filled with dirt as protection for the eggs.

Sources:
Melissodes denticulatus

Eastern Ironweed Long-Horn Bee

Melissodes denticulatus

** FUN FACT**

Melissodes means "bee like!"
This species are very fast flyers! They only alight on a blossom briefly and then they are gone again!

Can you spot this bee?
The Eastern Ironweed Long-Horn Bee has an overall grayish cast and is a robust bee. The black thorax is striped with bands of pale hair. Both males and females have bluish-gray eyes and males have long reddish antennae. This species range 1/3-2/5" in length.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) but is gregarious (meaning it will nest near a lot of its fellow bees, each in their own nest) and is a ground nester. A female can build, provision and lay 1 egg per day. The nest contains two 90 degree turns to act as stoppers filled with dirt as protection for the eggs.

Sources:
Melissodes desponsus

Thistle Long-Horn Bee

Melissodes desponsus

** FUN FACT**
Melissodes means "bee like!"

This species is preyed upon by the Thistle Long-Horn Cuckoo Bee who breaks into its nest to lay its own eggs! And the Thistle Long-Horn Cuckoo Bee is HERE at Flight 93 National Memorial!

Can you spot this bee?
The Agile Long-Horn Bee has a robust body with a black abdomen. The thorax has thick pale yellow-brown hair. This species has bushy pale gold scopa for pollen collection.

This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) but is gregarious (meaning it will nest near a lot of its fellow bees, each in their own nest) and is a ground nester. A female can build, provision and lay 1 egg per day. The nest contains two 90 degree turns to act as stoppers filled with dirt as protection for the eggs.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
Sources:
Melissodes druriellus

Goldenrod Long-Horn Bee

Melissodes druriellus

** FUN FACT**
Melissodes means "bee like!"

This species doesn't emerge from winterization in their nests until OCTOBER!

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) but is gregarious (meaning it will nest near a lot of its fellow bees, each in their own nest) and is a ground nester. A female can build, provision and lay 1 egg per day. The nest contains two 90 degree turns to act as stoppers filled with dirt as protection for the eggs.

Sources:
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
Melissodes trinodis

Dark-Veined Long-Horn Bee

Melissodes trinodis

** FUN FACT**
Melissodes means "bee like!"

Can you spot this bee?
The Dark-Veined Long-Horn Bee has a robust body. With light brown or rust-colored hair on the thorax, this species is approximately ½" in length. The males have green eyes and the females have blue-green eyes.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) but is gregarious (meaning it will nest near a lot of its fellow bees, each in their own nest) and is a ground nester. A female can build, provision and lay 1 egg per day. The nest contains two 90 degree turns to act as stoppers filled with dirt as protection for the eggs.

Sources:
Melitta americana

Melitta Americana Long-Horn Bee

Melitta americana

** FUN FACT**
This bee is classified as an OIL BEE.

In addition to collecting pollen, this species also collects floral oils from the blossoms. It is mixed with the collected pollen to feed the larvae.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
Nomada

Nomada Cuckoo Bee

Nomada sp.

** FUN FACT**
Nomada means "wanderer!"

As a cleoparasite, this bee targets the following species located at Flight 93 National Memorial.

Can you spot this bee?
Nomada Cuckoo Bees have striking yellow, black, white, and red marking. They frequently appear hairless as they have no scopa hairs (they do not collect pollen). These species are sleek and wasp-like in appearance. They range in length 1/10-3/5".

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!
NONE!
This bee does NOT POLLINATE flowers or gather pollen! This is because it uses the work of other bees gathering pollen to feed its eggs. It does still visit blooms for nectar to eat!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is a cleoparasite (meaning it lays its eggs in another bee's nest). It uses its pointy abdomen to break a hole in the host bee's nest, then lays 1-4 of its own eggs in the egg chamber with the host egg and food supply. The parasite egg hatches almost immediately, and the larvae kills the host larvae or egg. It then eats the pollen store given to the host egg, becomes an adult, and continues this process.

Sources:
Osmia atriventris

Maine Blueberry Bee

Osmia atriventris

** FUN FACTS**
Osmia means "odor!"

The females of this species use a lemony scent to mark the entrance to their nests! The Maine Blueberry Bee visits MORE FLOWERS per minute than the European Honey Bee!

This species has been used COMMERCIALLY to pollinate BLUEBERRY CROPS for over 50 years!

Can you spot this bee?
The Maine Blueberry Bee is a vibrant metallic green, deep blue, or inky black. It has a small stout body with scopa hairs under the abdomen for pollen collection. The antennae have black nobs on the ends.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone).

Sources:
Osmia cornifrons

Japanese Horn-Faced Bee

Osmia cornifrons

** FUN FACTS**
Osmia means "odor!"

The females of this species use a lemony scent to mark the entrance to their nests!

This species has been used COMMERCIALLY to pollinate APPLE and CHERRY CROPS for over 50 years!

The Japanese Horn-Faced Bee is non-native to the United States. In the 1960s, the U.S. Department of Agriculture imported it from Asia as this species is a POLLINATING MACHINE! This bee will visit an average of 15 flowers per minute and can pollinate (or set) approximately 2, 450 apples in a single day! This means the Japanese Horn-Faced Bee is 80 TIMES MORE EFFICIENT at pollinating apple trees than the European Honey Bee!

Can you spot this bee?
The Japanese Horn-Faced Bee has a furry appearance and a black body with tan hair.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and is a ground nester. The female lays her eggs with the male eggs in the back and the female eggs in the entrance of the nest, as the females hatch faster than the males. When the nest is full, the laying female simply starts a new nest!

Sources:
Osmia- pumila

Dwarf Mason Bee

Osmia pumila

** FUN FACTS**
Osmia means "odor!"

The females of this species use a lemony scent to mark the entrance to their nests!

This bee earned the name of "Mason" because it transports mud to build egg laying structures inside its nest.

Can you spot this bee?
The Dwarf Mason Bee is a metallic blue-green and ranges in length 3/10-1/4".

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and nests in hollow reeds or pre-existing cavities and burrows in dead wood. It favors forests and wetlands. The nest is tubular with multiple entrances and an outer chamber on either end. Brood cells are built between the outer chambers.

Sources:
Osmia texana

Texas Mason Bee

Osmia texana

** FUN FACTS**
Osmia means "odor!"

The females of this species use a lemony scent to mark the entrance to their nests!

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and nests in hollow reeds or pre-existing cavities and burrows in dead wood. It favors forests and wetlands. The nest is tubular with multiple entrances and an outer chamber on either end. Brood cells are built between the outer chambers.

Sources:
Peponapis-pruinosa

Hoary Squash Bee

Peponapis pruinosa

** FUN FACT**
Peponapis means "pumpkin bee!"

The MALES of this species are JUST AS HELPFUL POLLINATING as the females! This is because these bees are exceptionally hairy!

These bees have FANTASTIC VISION! Squash blossoms open very early in the morning and wilt by midday. These bees typically leave their nest before sunrise to get an early start!

Can you spot this bee?
The Hoary Squash Bee is a fast flier! Large and hairy, it has a white striped abdomen and a thorax coated in soft hair. Males have a small yellow spot on the face. This species ranges in length 2/5-3/5".

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) but is gregarious (meaning it will nest near a lot of its fellow bees, each in their own nest) and is a ground nester that nests very close to their food sources.

Sources:
  • SHARP, S., & EATMAN, R. (2019). WILD BEE ID GUIDE - ROCKEFELLER STATE PARK. NYBEE-16DEC2019. HTTPS://WWW.SHARPEATMANGUIDES.COM/ROCKEFELLER-STATE-PARK-BEES-NEW-YORK
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
  • Shepard, B. M., Farnworth, E. G., Williams, D., Bisner, A., & Lowcountry Biodiversity Foundation. (2019). Insect Pollinators of the South Carolina and Georgia Lowcountry. Lowcountry Biodiversity Foundation.
Ptilothrix bombiformis

Hibiscus Turret Bee

Ptilothrix bombiformis

** FUN FACT**
Ptilothrix means "feathered hair!"

This species has a special adaptation for nesting in hard-packed soil. It can land on water by spreading its feet wide apart. After sucking up water, it flies back to its chosen nest location and drops the water to soften the soil. As the soil softens, the bee rolls it into round pellets. These pellets are moved out of the nest and form a "turret" at the nest entrance!

Can you spot this bee?
The Hibiscus Turret Bee has hair that resembles fine down, with a dark abdomen and a light brow, fuzzy thorax.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is solitary (meaning it nests alone) and is a ground nester.

Sources:
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
  • Shepard, B. M., Farnworth, E. G., Williams, D., Bisner, A., & Lowcountry Biodiversity Foundation. (2019). Insect Pollinators of the South Carolina and Georgia Lowcountry. Lowcountry Biodiversity Foundation.
Triepeolus donatus

Thistle Long-Horn Cuckoo Bee

Triepeolus donatus

** FUN FACT**
This bee species preys upon the Thistle Long-Horn Bee - which are ALSO found at Flight 93 National Memorial. Cuckoo bees are proof of a healthy and diverse ecosystem.

Can you spot this bee?
The Thistle Ling-Horn Cuckoo Bee has striking green eyes and is wasp-like in appearance with crisply defined markings. The thorax appears to "smile" with two small dots and "mouth" at the bottom of the scotum. With red legs, this bee ranges 2/5-1/2" in length.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants

this bee pollinates the following plants these items you may find on your dinner table!
This bee does NOT POLLINATE flowers or gather pollen! This is because it uses the work of other bees gathering pollen to feed its eggs. It does still visit blooms for nectar to eat!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is a cleoparasite (meaning it lays its eggs in another bee's nest). After following the Thistle Long-Horn Bee back to her nest, it uses its pointy abdomen to slit a hole in the side of the host bee's cell, then lays its own egg in the wall of the egg. chamber with the host egg and food supply. The parasite egg hatches almost immediately, and the larvae kills the host larvae or egg. It then eats the pollen store given to the host egg, becomes an adult, and continues this process.

Sources:
  • Georgia Lowcountry. Lowcountry Biodiversity Foundation
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
  • Shepard, B. M., Farnworth, E. G., Williams, D., Bisner, A., & Lowcountry Biodiversity Foundation. (2019). Insect Pollinators of the South Carolina and Georgia Lowcountry. Lowcountry Biodiversity Foundation.
Xylocopa virginica

Eastern Carpenter Bee

Xylocopa virginica

** FUN FACT**
Xylocopa means "wood worker!"

These bees are "nectar robbers!" Using their bladed mouth parts, they slice open the base of a flower and steal the nectar without ever crawling inside!

In Australia, this species is raised in greenhouses to pollinate tomatoes, and in the Middle East, they are important COTTON pollinators!

Can you spot this bee?
The Eastern Carpenter Bee is smooth, shiny, and has a hairless abdomen. With a bulky black body, it has a golden-yellow thorax with a black spot in the center. Males have a white spot in the middle of their face. This species ranges in length 1/2-1/4".

At Flight 93 National Memorial, this bee pollinates the following plants
This bee also pollinates these items you may find on your dinner table!

How/Where does this bee nest?
This bee is parasocial (meaning it nests in small groups and shares the work load) and nests in solid wood or plant material. The older females in the group construct the nest, gather pollen and lay eggs as a collective group.

Sources:
  • SHARP, S., & EATMAN, R. (2019). WILD BEE ID GUIDE - ROCKEFELLER STATE PARK. NYBEE-16DEC2019. HTTPS://WWW.SHARPEATMANGUIDES.COM/ROCKEFELLER-STATE-PARK-BEES-NEW-YORK
  • WILSON, J. S., & CARRIL, O. J. M. (2015). THE BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD. AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY PRESS
  • Shepard, B. M., Farnworth, E. G., Williams, D., Bisner, A., & Lowcountry Biodiversity Foundation. (2019). Insect Pollinators of the South Carolina and Georgia Lowcountry. Lowcountry Biodiversity Foundation.