Identification: This a dark bee with a long thorax. Females have sparse scopal hairs under their abdomen and distinct, but incomplete hair bands on the terga.
Similar Species: This species is signficantly larger than the other two Chelostoma that might occur in VT. It is also the only Scissor bee in the northeast with distinct hair bands on the abdomen. Superficially quite similar to some Small Mason Bees (Genus Hoplitis) and the Bellflower Resin Bee (Megachile campanulae) which shares the same host plant.
Global Status: Not Ranked
Vermont Status: Introduced
For more information, visit the following links:
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Living Atlas Species Page
Distribution: To see the global distribution, check out the iNaturalist account, and toggle the GBIF layer on the map.
Banner Photo: © USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab
