Colletes halophilus

"Colletes halophilus" is a species of solitary plasterer bee, also known as a cellophane bee. It is closely associated with coastal salt marshes and estuarine environments. The species is a ground-nesting bee that excavates its homes in bare or sparsely vegetated soil.

This bee is predominantly found in coastal salt marshes across southern and eastern England and nearby parts of continental Europe. It requires very specific muddy or sandy habitats found in these estuarine zones. Because of its specific habitat needs, its populations are highly localized.

Adult "Colletes halophilus" bees are commonly observed gathering nectar and pollen from plants in the sea aster family. They rely heavily on these late-blooming coastal wildflowers to provision their nests. The bees are active in late summer and early autumn when these plants are in bloom.

"Colletes halophilus" are solitary bees, meaning each female constructs and provisions her own individual nest. However, they are often "gregarious," meaning many females will nest in close proximity to one another in large aggregations. Despite these dense colonies, they do not have a queen or a social caste system.