Masked on Pink - _TNY_9184
This small bee is an annulate masked bee (Hylaeus annulatus). They are called masked bees because of the distinctive and species-specific yellow or white markings on the face.
Unlike other, more advanced bees, these small guys (or girls, I suppose) haven't got a scopa on each hind leg and instead carry pollen in their crop and regurgitate it into the cell as food for the offspring.
Some of the Hylaeus species give of a citrus scent which is the reason behind the Swedish caoomn name "citronbi" - lemon bee.
Masked on Pink - _TNY_9184
This small bee is an annulate masked bee (Hylaeus annulatus). They are called masked bees because of the distinctive and species-specific yellow or white markings on the face.
Unlike other, more advanced bees, these small guys (or girls, I suppose) haven't got a scopa on each hind leg and instead carry pollen in their crop and regurgitate it into the cell as food for the offspring.
Some of the Hylaeus species give of a citrus scent which is the reason behind the Swedish caoomn name "citronbi" - lemon bee.