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Masked Bees

Hylaeus

Masked bees are small, fuzzy insects that help flowers grow by spreading pollen. They are often seen buzzing around gardens and parks, making them important for nature!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Masked Bees has a small, slender body that is mostly black and nearly hairless, making it look more like a tiny wasp than a typical fuzzy bee. Its most distinctive feature is the striking yellow or white 'mask-like' markings on its face.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyColletidaeGenusHylaeus
Masked Bees
furry trait badgesolitary trait badgeherbivorous trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badge
Masked Bees

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Many masked bees don't sting, so you can watch them without worry!

Masked bees are sometimes called "yellow-faced bees" because of their cool facial patterns!

They swallow pollen like a drink, instead of carrying it on their legs!

Unlike honeybees, masked bees live all by themselves, without a queen or hive!

Special abilities

Ability

Ingenious Pollen Carrier

Masked Bees can swallow pollen into their crop because they lack specialized hairs, which helps them transport it efficiently to their nests.

Ability

Stealthy Nest Builder

Masked Bees can create nests in hollow stems or small cavities because they are solitary, which helps them protect their young.

Ability

Unique Facial Patterns

Masked Bees has unique pale facial patterns that helps them be distinguished by scientists and sometimes even other bees.

Ability

Flexible Feeder

Masked Bees can visit a wide variety of flowers because of their small size, which helps them find food in diverse habitats.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
6-16 mm
Size
3-8 mm
Lifespan
20-45 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These tiny bees drink flower nectar and eat pollen to get their energy and nutrients.

Primary Foods

  • Flower nectar
  • Flower pollen
  • Sweet plant juices

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

pollinates

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

collects nectar and pollen from blooms.

pollinates

Fireweed

Epilobium angustifolium

visits flowers for nectar and pollen.

eaten by

Flower Crab Spider

Misumena vatia

hides in flowers to ambush them.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Masked bees are friendly and won't sting unless they feel scared. Just watch them from a distance!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Masked Bees's wingspan?

6-16 mm

How big is Masked Bees?

3-8 mm

How long does Masked Bees live?

20-45 days

What does Masked Bees eat?

These tiny bees drink flower nectar and eat pollen to get their energy and nutrients.

Where is Masked Bees usually found?

Urban areas

How does Masked Bees hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Masked Bees have?

6

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