This small bee is 3/8 inch in length. The head and eyes are black. The thorax is black with light-colored fuzz. The abdomen is black with wide white bands which are bisected with a thin, black line. The antennae are black. The wings are tawny and clear. The legs are covered with thick, buffy-colored hair.
This bee is probably common in our area. The one shown here was photographed in the Wetlands Learning Center garden on Mountain Mint flowers in mid-July.
All known species nest in soil. A single female constructs a nest. These bees are partially social as there may be workers or reproductives or a combination of both. Males normally produced as part of the last generation in late summer or fall.
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