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Unequal Cellophane Bee

Colletes inaequalis

The Unequal Cellophane Bee is a small, fuzzy bee that loves to collect pollen. They are important for helping flowers grow by spreading pollen from one flower to another.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Unequal Cellophane Bee is a medium-sized bee, featuring a furry, yellowish-brown thorax and an abdomen banded with black and lighter segments. Its body often has a unique, shiny, translucent cuticle, and its head is distinctively heart-shaped.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyColletidaeGenusColletes
Unequal Cellophane Bee
furry trait badgesolitary trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Unequal Cellophane Bee

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Even though they are bees, they don't make honey like the famous honeybee!

They are called 'solitary bees' because each female builds her own nest all by herself!

This bee uses its tongue to paint waterproof walls inside its underground home!

Unequal Cellophane Bees are some of the very first bees to wake up in spring!

Special abilities

Ability

Cellophane Nest Liner

Unequal Cellophane Bees can secrete a unique, cellophane-like substance that helps them waterproof and protect their underground nests.

Ability

Super Digger

Unequal Cellophane Bees are powerful and quick diggers, allowing them to rapidly create their intricate, safe burrows in the soil.

Ability

Early Spring Emergence

Unequal Cellophane Bees can emerge very early in spring, which helps them access nectar and pollen before many other insects.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
15-25 mm
Size
8-14 mm
Lifespan
20-40 days
Flight Speed
18 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These bees sip nectar for energy and collect pollen for their babies.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • pollen
  • maple blossoms
  • willow catkins
  • fruit tree flowers

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

pollinates

Red Maple

Acer rubrum

Provides early spring nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Pussy Willow

Salix discolor

An important early spring food source.

parasitizes

Two-banded Cuckoo Bee

Epeolus bifasciatus

Lays eggs in the nests of Colletes bees.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be gentle and quiet around bees; they help flowers grow and usually won't bother you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Unequal Cellophane Bee's wingspan?

15-25 mm

How big is Unequal Cellophane Bee?

8-14 mm

How long does Unequal Cellophane Bee live?

20-40 days

How fast can Unequal Cellophane Bee fly?

18 km/h

What does Unequal Cellophane Bee eat?

These bees sip nectar for energy and collect pollen for their babies.

Where is Unequal Cellophane Bee usually found?

Grasslands

How does Unequal Cellophane Bee hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Unequal Cellophane Bee have?

6

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