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Variable Pebble Bee

Dianthidium subparvum

The Variable Pebble Bee is a small, fuzzy bee that loves to collect pollen from flowers. They are important for helping plants grow by spreading pollen while they visit flowers.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Variable Pebble Bee is a small, robust bee with a black body marked with distinct yellow or white bands on its abdomen. Its head and thorax are covered in pale, fuzzy hairs, contrasting with its darker, segmented body. The specific patterns can vary, making each bee subtly unique.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyMegachilidaeGenusDianthidium
Variable Pebble Bee
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Variable Pebble Bee

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Each tiny nest cell gets a perfect ball of pollen and nectar for the baby bee to eat.

Their fuzzy bodies accidentally help plants make seeds as they fly from flower to flower.

They are solitary bees, meaning each female builds her own nest all by herself, no queen!

This bee uses tiny pebbles and sticky plant resin to build waterproof nests for its babies!

Special abilities

Ability

Pebble Home Builder

Variable Pebble Bee can build unique nests from small pebbles and plant resins because of their specialized mandibles that help them create sturdy homes for their young.

Ability

Pollen Collector

Variable Pebble Bee has specialized hairs on its underside that form a 'pollen brush' that helps them efficiently collect and transport pollen for their offspring.

Ability

Camouflage Cloak

Variable Pebble Bee can blend into its rocky surroundings because of its varied color patterns that help them hide from predators while nesting.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
10-18 mm
Size
6-9 mm
Lifespan
20-60 days
Flight Speed
12 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These busy bees sip nectar for energy and gather pollen to feed their growing babies.

Age differences: Larvae consume a pollen and nectar provision ball left by the mother bee, unlike adults.

Primary Foods

  • Flower nectar
  • Flower pollen
  • Aster flowers
  • Clover flowers

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

catches flying insects for food

pollinates

Common Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

transfers pollen between flowers

parasitizes

Cuckoo Bee

Coelioxys coturnix

lays eggs in its nest to steal food

pollinates

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

helps plant reproduce by moving pollen

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Stay calm and quiet around bees; they usually won't bother you if you don't bother them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Variable Pebble Bee's wingspan?

10-18 mm

How big is Variable Pebble Bee?

6-9 mm

How long does Variable Pebble Bee live?

20-60 days

How fast can Variable Pebble Bee fly?

12 km/h

What does Variable Pebble Bee eat?

These busy bees sip nectar for energy and gather pollen to feed their growing babies.

Where is Variable Pebble Bee usually found?

Grasslands

How does Variable Pebble Bee hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Variable Pebble Bee have?

6

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