This small bee is 3/8 inch in length. The black head is large and squarish. The thorax is black with short, yellowish hair. The abdomen is black with white bands and yellowish fuzz on the tip. The antennae are black. The wings are tawny and clear. The legs are black on the femurs. The tibia and tarsii have yellowish fuzz. This sweat bee was identified by volunteer experts at the BugGuide website.
This bee is common in our area and is found in the entire northern hemisphere. They are present from early spring to late fall and are frequent visitors to many species of flowers.
All known species in the sweat bee family 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 usually are produced as part of the last generation in late summer or fall.
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