description Anthidium manicatum Overview
Anthidium manicatum, commonly called the wool carder bee, is a solitary bee species native to Europe that has been introduced to North America and other regions. Females collect plant fibers from hairy leaves and stems, which they use to line their nest cavities, giving the species its common name. Males are notably larger than females and exhibit aggressive territorial behavior, physically defending patches of flowering plants against other insects. A.
manicatum is frequently found in gardens and urban areas where suitable nesting sites and fiber-producing plants are available.
help Anthidium manicatum FAQ
Why is Anthidium manicatum called a wool carder bee?
Females scrape soft plant hairs from leaves and carry the fibers to existing cavities where they build nest cells. Lamb's ear, Stachys byzantina, is a particularly familiar garden source of this plant wool.
Do male European wool carder bees sting people?
Male bees do not have stingers, although male A. manicatum possess pointed abdominal spines used in conflicts with other insects. Females can sting but are solitary and are not normally aggressive away from a nest.
Why do male Anthidium manicatum attack other bees at flowers?
A male defends a profitable flower patch visited by females and drives away competing bees, flies, and other intruders. This territorial behavior gives him opportunities to mate when female wool carders arrive to forage.
Is Anthidium manicatum native to North America?
No. It is an Old World species that has spread widely beyond its native range and is established in North America and several other regions.
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