This relatively obscure genus has 6 species in Vermont. Two very rare species are distinctive, but the rest can be hard to differentiate from photos.
Unknown Small Mason Bee Female
Genus level ID – These small, dark bees are similar to other members of the Megachilidae family, in that they carry pollen under their abdomen and nest in hollow stems and/or other preexisting cavities. They are generally smaller with less hair than Mason (Osmia) or Leafcutter bees (Megachile) and most have at least indistinct white hair bands on the abdomen.
Field Identifiable Hoplitis
Unless otherwise specified, photos are courtesy of Margarita Miklasevskaja at PCYU with funding from NSERC-CANPOLIN.
