SCIENTIFIC NAME
Perdita
DESCRIPTION
This genus has some of the smallest bees in the world. These petite bees, commonly called fairy bees as well as mining bees, are about five to seven mm, flat and a wasp-lookalike. Females are usually dark; some species have yellow spots on the abdomen and males tend to show more yellow marking on their faces too. These bees are not very common in Canada as they prefer warmer climates.
RANGE
HABITAT
DIET
BEHAVIOUR
undefinedPRIMARY ECOSYSTEM ROLES
Feeding Habits
Most Perdita bees are floral specialists. One species (Perdita octomaculata) likes flowering plants from the family Asteraceae and can be seen on goldenrod or other composite flowers. Another species (Perdita halictoides) prefers plants from the Solanaceae family and are specialists of the Physalis genus comprising plants known as ground cherries.
Nesting Habits
These tiny solitary bees like to nest underground, mostly in sandy soil. Nest entrances are probably impossible to distinguish with our human eye.
Neat Fact
Because many species are floral specialists, Perdita’s emergence will coincide with the flower they feed on.
