description Colletes validus Overview
Colletes validus, commonly called the blueberry cellophane bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae. The species occurs in eastern North America and is active in early spring, when it forages especially on lowbush and highbush blueberries. Its long, triangular face helps it reach nectar in the deep, cup-shaped flowers, while females construct individual nests and line their brood cells with a cellophane-like secretion.
help Colletes validus FAQ
What is Colletes validus?
Colletes validus is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae. It is commonly called the blueberry cellophane bee.
Why is Colletes validus associated with blueberries?
The species is active in early spring and forages especially on lowbush and highbush blueberries. Its flight period can overlap with blueberry flowering in eastern North America.
Where does the blueberry cellophane bee nest?
It nests alone in the ground rather than forming a large social hive. Nesting sites can occur in suitable soil near the plants where the adults forage.
Is Colletes validus a honeybee?
No. It is a native solitary bee in Colletidae, not the managed honeybee Apis mellifera. Individual females construct and provision their own nests.
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