Southeastern Blueberry Bee (Habropoda laboriosa)

Size: Large (12- 15 mm)     {Size Comparison – the average honeybee is 13 mm}

Color: Hair patterns and banding similar to bumblebees; abdomen is bald

Type of Flight: Slow and lumbering (similar to a bumblebee), though wary of humans (unlike bumblebees)

Distinguishing Characteristics:

(1) Resemble smaller versions of bumblebees or carpenter bees

(2) Bald abdomen with first segment covered in light yellow hair

(3) Males have yellow markings on their faces

(4) Heads of both males and females are heart-shaped when viewed face-on.

Abundance: Uncommon (May be common in Blueberry orchards in March/April)

Typically Found in Georgia: March to June

Pollination Value: High

Plants Associated with: Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family), Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family), Ericaceae (Heather/Blueberry/Cranberry/Azalea Family), Fabaceae (Pea/Bean/Clover Family), Rosaceae (Apple/Cherry/Plum/Blackberry/Strawberry Family)

Nesting Habitat: These bees nest in the ground or in rotting wood

Classification: Family: Apidae     Genus: Habropoda

Number of Species in Georgia: 1 species (Habropoda laboriosa)

Number of Species in the United States: 16 species

Photos taken by Sam Droege and staff at the USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory (Used with permission)

–> Click on the photo to enlarge the image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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