Modest Sharptail
ExploreInsects
Modest Sharptail
Coelioxys modestus
The Modest Sharptail is a special kind of bee that loves to visit flowers. It helps plants grow by spreading pollen while it collects nectar. These bees are small and have a unique shape that makes them stand out!
Habitat: Urban areas, Gardens
Appearance
The Modest Sharptail is a slender, black bee with a shiny, pointed abdomen featuring narrow, pale bands of hair. Its body has sparse, light hairs, giving it a more wasp-like appearance compared to fuzzy bees.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyMegachilidaeGenusCoelioxys
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Female Modest Sharptails have a very pointy tail, like a tiny hardened spear!
Modest Sharptails don't build their own nests, they sneak into other bees' homes!
Their babies grow by eating the food collected by other hard-working mother bees!
These sneaky bees don't collect pollen themselves; they just steal it!
Special abilities
Ability
Nest Invader
Modest Sharptail can lay its eggs in other bees' nests because its larvae will steal their food, helping them survive.
Ability
Armored Tail
Modest Sharptail has a tough, conical abdomen that helps them break into host nests or defend against rivals.
Ability
Egg Camouflage
Modest Sharptail can lay eggs that mimic the host's eggs, helping them go undetected in foreign nests.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 15-25 mm
- Size
- 7-12 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-60 days
- Flight Speed
- 12 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These sneaky bees steal pollen and nectar gathered by other bees to feed their young.
Age differences: Larvae consume host bee's stored food and sometimes host eggs/larvae, while adults feed on nectar from flowers.
Primary Foods
- Stolen pollen
- Stolen nectar
- Host bee larvae
Ecological connections
parasitizes
Bellflower Resin Bee
Megachile campanulae
Lays eggs in their nests and steals their food stores.
parasitizes
Texas Leafcutter Bee
Megachile texana
Their young grow by consuming this bee's stored pollen.
eats
White Clover
Trifolium repens
Adults drink nectar from its flowers for energy.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Stay calm and still if you see a bee; they usually won't bother you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Modest Sharptail's wingspan?
15-25 mm
How big is Modest Sharptail?
7-12 mm
How long does Modest Sharptail live?
30-60 days
How fast can Modest Sharptail fly?
12 km/h
What does Modest Sharptail eat?
These sneaky bees steal pollen and nectar gathered by other bees to feed their young.
Where is Modest Sharptail usually found?
Urban areas, Gardens
How many legs does Modest Sharptail have?
6
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