Angelic Resin Bee
Megachile angelarum is a fascinating native solitary bee species in the family Megachilidae. Commonly grouped with resin and leafcutter bees, these gentle native pollinators build individual nest cells using plant resins and floral materials tucked into pre-existing cavities in wood or hollow plant stems. Females carry bright loads of pollen on specialized hairs beneath their abdomen, making them crucial contributors to the pollination of native desert flora and wildflowers throughout the Mojave and western desert regions.
Life Cycle: Females construct single-cell chambers lined with resins, provision each cell with nectar and pollen, and lay an egg. The larva feeds on the provisioned loaf, overwinters in a protective cocoon, pupates in spring, and emerges as an adult.
Size 0.35 to 0.50 in (0.9 to 1.3 cm)
Sexual Dimorphism: Females feature dense pollen-collecting hairs (scopa) on the underside of the abdomen and robust mandibles for gathering plant resin, while males are slightly smaller with modified forelegs and hair tufts used during courtship.
Metamorphosis: complete (egg, larva, pupa, adult)
Megachile angelarum is an essential native resin bee adapted to the arid environments of the American Southwest. Unlike social honey bees, these solitary bees do not live in colonies or build large hives, making them completely non-aggressive. Their presence is a vital indicator of healthy, diverse native plant communities throughout the Mojave Desert.
Mojave National Preserve, San Bernardino County, CA
Plant anatomy can help classify species, especilly if you know the terms to enter in the search engine.
Mojave vegetation biomes
Bird Markings are often colorful and one way to identify species.
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