This large Resin Bee is approximately one inch in length. The head and eyes are black. The thorax is covered with thick, buffy-colored hair. The black abdomen is long and cylindrical in shape. The wings are smoky brown.
The frequency of occurrence in Fontenelle Forest is not known. The only individual recorded was photographed at Camp Brewster in early July. This bee was introduced from Asia in 1994 in the southeastern U.S. It has since spread north and west and Nebraska is probably the westernmost extension of its range.
The Giant Resin Bee uses preexisting cavities for its nest sites, in particular, abandoned carpenter bee tunnels. The female is solitary. She uses resin, sap, pieces of rotten wood and mud to construct the nest. She collects pollen in special hairs under her abdomen and lays an egg on a pollen ball in the cell. The larva feeds on pollen and overwinters in its cell. The larva pupates in late spring and the adult emerges in summer.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.