This unique bee is at the northern edge of its range here. Currently only known from the warmer valleys, though possibly spreading. Among the Long-horned Bees, it's also unique in its varied diet, which includes many garden plants such as beans, corn, and cucumbers.
Identification: The only all black, hairy bee in VT. Females can be further recognized by two small white dots near the end of their abdomen. Males have a variable amount of pale hairs, but are still pretty unique.
Similar Species: Highly worn or wet bumble bees (Bombus) can be a similar size and mostly dark, but almost always still have some pale hairs.
Known or Suspected Parasites: Lunate Longhorn-Cuckoo (Triepeolus lunatus) – Not yet recorded in VT, but possible in the future.
Global Status: Not Ranked
Vermont Status: Not Ranked
For more information, visit the following links:
Discover Life
Living Atlas Species Page
Distribution: To see the global distribution, check out the iNaturalist account, and toggle the GBIF layer on the map.
