Plastic Making Bees!

April 11th in Canatara was mating day for at least 2 groups of ground nesting bees! While walking through the park, we encountered a group of "cellophane" bees flying barely above ground level in 2 different locations. (approximately 55 individuals in the first population, and 100 in the second!) When zoomed in on the photo, 5 bees are visible! 

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/127741-Colletes

Cropped image of a cellophane bee (sp): They are in the genus Colletes and are sometimes called polyester, cellophane or plasterer bees because of the substance used to line their nesting chambers. They use their fork-like tongues to paint the interior of their tunnels with a cellophane-like material produced from glands and mixed with saliva. The material is strong, mold resistant, waterproof, and protects the developing larvae. The "bee plastic" has inspired some scientists to study this substance as a natural alternative to plastic!

https://nativebeeology.com/2021/04/22/cellophane-bees-the-one-who-glues/

Nesting holes dug by Cellophane Bees: The female bees sit at their entrance holes as if guarding their nest chambers, while male bees fly close to the ground, patrolling the area in search of a mate.

https://nativebeeology.com/2021/04/22/cellophane-bees-the-one-who-glues/

At first glance, the bee holes resemble ant hills. A closer look reveals a flurry of activity, including rolling clusters of bees trying to find a mate!

Despite the cold and snowy weather this week, flies which mimic bees, including this Black-shouldered Drone Fly, were also becoming active in sheltered areas, on south-facing slopes.

Narrow-headed Marsh Fly is another busy pollinator, visiting flowers throughout the summer.