First found in VT in 2018, this has turned out to be a relatively common and widespread species. Easiest to find in gardens with tomatillos and/or ground cherries, though the native Clammy Groundcherry is relatively common (but easy to overlook) in weedy fields.
Identification: Slightly smaller than a honey bee, with a grayish coat of hair and indistinct white bands on the abdomen. Named for the broad third segment of the hind leg. Most similar to another Physalis specialist (see below).
Similar Species: Williston’s Cellophane Bee (Colletes willistoni): Very similar, but with a narrower third segment on the hind leg.
Global Status: Not Ranked
Vermont Status: S4
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.
