About Pearly-banded Bee
A ground-nesting bee with pearly white abdominal bands vital for alfalfa pollination. Large nesting aggregations in alkaline soils can contain millions of individuals.
Did You Know?
Farmers in the Pacific Northwest actively manage nesting sites to boost alfalfa seed yields.
How to Identify Pearly-banded Bee
Pearly-banded Bee (Nomia melanderi) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Halictidae. Adults typically measure 8-10 mm.
Pearly-banded Bee Habitat
Pearly-banded Bee is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Western North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Pearly-banded Bee Diet and Feeding
Pearly-banded Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Pearly-banded Bee Found?
Pearly-banded Bee can be found in Western North America, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Pearly-banded Bee can be found
Is Pearly-banded Bee Dangerous?
Pearly-banded Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Pearly-banded Bee Role in Nature
Pearly-banded Bee plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Pearly-banded Bee
What does Pearly-banded Bee look like?
The Pearly-banded Bee typically measures 8-10 mm.
Where is Pearly-banded Bee found?
The Pearly-banded Bee is found in Western North America and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Pearly-banded Bee eat?
The Pearly-banded Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Pearly-banded Bee dangerous to humans?
The Pearly-banded Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
What is an interesting fact about Pearly-banded Bee?
Farmers in the Pacific Northwest actively manage nesting sites to boost alfalfa seed yields.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Pearly-banded Bee (Nomia melanderi). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/pearly-banded-bee
MLA:
"Pearly-banded Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/pearly-banded-bee.