Cellophane Nests

A south-facing slope with open patches of dirt. Look closer…

Here’s somebody’s nest.

I had to come back another day to see her in there. Unequal Cellophane Bee/Colletes inaequalis.

Looks like another.

And another. Like most of our wild bee species, Cellophane bees are solitary nesters. They may aggregate their nests in suitable terrain. There are three in a span of some 15-20 feet here. They’re “cellophane” bees because they coat the inside of their nests with an extruded cellophane-like material that waterproofs their egg chambers.

I’ve updated my tours and adventures page for upcoming events this April and May.