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Habropoda miserabilis

Habropoda miserabilis

The Habropoda miserabilis, also known as the miserable bee, is a small, fuzzy insect that loves to buzz around flowers. They are important for helping plants grow by spreading pollen.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Habropoda miserabilis is a medium-sized, fuzzy bee with a dark body covered in dense, yellowish-orange hair on its thorax, contrasting with a darker abdomen. It has delicate, smoky wings and robust legs adapted for digging. Its overall appearance can sometimes be mistaken for a small bumblebee.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyApidaeGenusHabropoda
Habropoda miserabilis
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Habropoda miserabilis

Category

Insects

Rarity

Rare

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Their name 'miserabilis' might come from how early and cold they appear in spring!

These bees are specialized, only gathering food from a few specific kinds of flowers!

They are excellent architects, building individual, hidden tunnels for each baby bee.

Without these bees, some of California's most beautiful early wildflowers wouldn't thrive!

Special abilities

Ability

Vibration Pollinator

Habropoda miserabilis can 'buzz pollinate' by vibrating their flight muscles, shaking pollen from flowers not accessible to other bees.

Ability

Early Bird Forager

Habropoda miserabilis has a unique internal clock that helps them emerge and forage for nectar very early in the spring.

Ability

Underground Architects

Habropoda miserabilis can dig intricate nests in the ground because of their strong legs, creating safe homes for their young.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
15-20 mm
Size
8-12 mm
Lifespan
30-60 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These bees drink flower nectar for energy and gather pollen to feed their growing larvae.

Primary Foods

  • Arctostaphylos nectar
  • Arctostaphylos pollen
  • Cercocarpus betuloides nectar
  • Cercocarpus betuloides pollen

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

pollinates

Manzanita

Arctostaphylos manzanita

Primary pollen and nectar source

pollinates

Mountain Mahogany

Cercocarpus betuloides

An important early-season food source

parasitizes

Greater Bee Fly

Bombylius major

Larvae often parasitize bee nests

eats

Silky Ant

Formica fusca

Ants may raid bee nests

Traits

Also known as

Miserable Bee

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be gentle and quiet around bees, and they will usually leave you alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Habropoda miserabilis's wingspan?

15-20 mm

How big is Habropoda miserabilis?

8-12 mm

How long does Habropoda miserabilis live?

30-60 days

How fast can Habropoda miserabilis fly?

15 km/h

What does Habropoda miserabilis eat?

These bees drink flower nectar for energy and gather pollen to feed their growing larvae.

Where is Habropoda miserabilis usually found?

Grasslands

How does Habropoda miserabilis hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Habropoda miserabilis have?

6

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