In the western US there are dozens, if not hundreds, of Fairy Bee species, many of which are flower specialists. So far only two species have been found in Vermont - a common Goldenrod specialist and a rare Ground-cherry (Genus Physalis) specialist.
Male Eight-spotted Fairy Bee
Genus level ID – These tiny bees have a uniquely flat body with sparse, spine-like hairs. The Eight-spotted Fairy Bee has, well, 8 distinct yellow spots on the abdomen, while the Ground-cherry Fairy Bee is all black (female) or with indistinct spots (male).
Field Identifiable Fairy Bees
Unless otherwise specified, photos are courtesy of Margarita Miklasevskaja at PCYU with funding from NSERC-CANPOLIN.
Species Accounts
