Wool Carder Bee
Anthidium
Heather Holm
Summary
These compact solitary bees are often seen at the SBG. The genus name Anthidium means “little flower visitor”, and they can be spotted busily visiting their favorite nectar sources, which include many members of the pea and sunflower families. Wool carder bees get their common name from their habit of collecting plant hairs to line and partition nests, which are built in pre-existing cavities. When fully provisioned and stocked with eggs, the nest will be capped with more plant fuzz. Unlike most bees, male Anthidium are larger than the females, and zealously guard their chosen flower patch against incomers. Humans don’t need to worry, though–males don’t have stingers and aren’t at all dangerous to the curious observer.
More Details
FAMILY
Megachilidae
LIFE CYCLE NOTES
Nests are located in cavities above ground or wood. Known all wool carder bees because they scrape the hairs from fuzzy plant leaves to line their nest cells.
FORAGING NOTES
Pollen is collected in rows of hairs on the bottom of the abdomen. Males are territorial and will guard a patch of flowers from intruders.
SOCIALITY
Solitary
Ecosystem Connections
Wool carder bees collect pollen and nectar from a wide variety of plants, pollinating as they go. Favorites include members of the pea (Fabaceae) and sunflower (Asteraceae) families.