Heriades carinatus, photo by S. Pimm
Family: Megachilidae
Genus: Heriades
Common Name: Resin Bees
Length: Unknown
Link to DiscoverLife: Heriades
Identification: Heriades are black, with conspicuous indentations pitting their heads, thoraxes, and abdomens. The male bees’ abdomens have a distinctive downward curve and are striped with pale hair bands. The females carry pollen on the undersides of their abdomens.
Foraging Habits: Generalists
Nesting Habits: The social life history of Heriades individuals is unknown. They are equipped with mandibles designed to scrape resin from plants. They use this resin to plug their egg-chamber tunnels. Heriades nest in pre-existing holes they find in wood and hollow stems.
Specimens in Collection: 60 specimens
Species Observed: Heriades carinatus
(Mader et al. Attracting Native Pollinators: Protecting North America’s Bees and Butterflies. 2011. The Xerces Society.)
