Representative Genera
- Colletes – Sturdy and hairy bees, often specialized on certain plants (oligolectic), nest in sand or soil.
- Hylaeus – Small black and hairless bees, wasp-like in appearance, often flower-visiting but discreet.
Habitat
Colletidae are found in:
- Bare sandy or clay soils
- Embankments, dunes, heaths, dry gardens
- Flowering meadows, open woodlands, edges
Biology
- Solitary bees: no division of labor
- Nesting:
- Cavities in the ground (often in clusters)
- Inner walls of cells waterproofed with a secretion
- Seasonal activity:
- Colletes: spring or autumn depending on species
- Hylaeus: summer, very discreet
Distinctive Features
- Bifid tongue (spatula-shaped), a unique trait among bees
- Discreet behavior, often overlooked by observers
- Some species highly specialized on specific plant families (e.g., Colletes hederae on ivy)
