description Teddy Bear Bee (Amegilla bombiformis) Overview
The teddy bear bee, Amegilla bombiformis, is a stout, densely furred solitary bee native to Australia and a member of the family Apidae. Its golden-brown coat and rounded body produce the mammal-like appearance reflected in its common name. Females construct individual nests rather than living in honey-bee-style colonies, while adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen and contribute to the pollination of native and cultivated plants.
insights Ranking position
Teddy Bear Bee (Amegilla bombiformis) ranks #106 of 404 in the Bee ranking, behind Bombus rufocinctus, ahead of Orange-legged Furrow Bee (Halictus rubicundus).
help Teddy Bear Bee (Amegilla bombiformis) FAQ
Is a Teddy Bear Bee the same thing as a bumblebee?
No. Amegilla bombiformis is an Australian solitary bee, while true bumblebees belong to the genus Bombus; its stocky body and golden-brown fur simply give it a bumblebee-like appearance.
Where do Teddy Bear Bees build their nests?
Females excavate burrows in soil, rubble, or sheltered earthen banks rather than living in a communal hive. Several females may nest close together, but each bee provisions her own brood cells.
Can a Teddy Bear Bee pollinate tomatoes and eggplants?
Yes, Amegilla bombiformis performs buzz pollination by vibrating flowers to release pollen. This technique is particularly useful for plants with poricidal anthers, including tomatoes and eggplants.
How large is an adult Teddy Bear Bee?
Adults are roughly 15 to 20 millimetres long and look broader than European honey bees. Dark, relatively hairless abdominal bands help distinguish Amegilla bombiformis from an introduced bumblebee.
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