# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Grasslands - **Also known as:** Miserable Bee ![Habropoda miserabilis](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Habropoda_miserabilis_mating_ball_of_males.jpg&width=800) Photo: Susan E. Nyoka, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Habropoda_miserabilis_mating_ball_of_males.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Apidae - **Genus:** Habropoda ## 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 - **Vibration Pollinator:** Habropoda miserabilis can 'buzz pollinate' by vibrating their flight muscles, shaking pollen from flowers not accessible to other bees. - **Early Bird Forager:** Habropoda miserabilis has a unique internal clock that helps them emerge and forage for nectar very early in the spring. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/manzanita) (*Arctostaphylos manzanita*) — Primary pollen and nectar source - **Pollinates:** Mountain Mahogany (*Cercocarpus betuloides*) — An important early-season food source - **Parasitizes:** [Greater Bee Fly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/greater-bee-fly) (*Bombylius major*) — Larvae often parasitize bee nests - **Eats:** Silky Ant (*Formica fusca*) — Ants may raid bee nests ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Be gentle and quiet around bees, and they will usually leave you alone. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Habropoda miserabilis? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Habropoda miserabilis: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/habropoda-miserabilis)