Apidae: Long-Horned Bees (Melissodes and Eucera)
categories: Apidae Bees Pollinators
last review date: 2026-01-30 11:12
Photo by: J. Abel
Biology
Long-horned bees are common with more than 120 species in North America. Males have much longer antennae than females.
Robust and hairy, they are moderate-sized bees (0.3-0.8 inches long) with conspicuously hairy rear legs. Faces are often yellow while abdomens are usually dark-colored and may have bands of pale hair.
The female carries dry pollen in large, conspicuous scopae on the lower half of her rear legs.
Long-horned bees are solitary nesters in the ground where they construct individual nests containing brood cells lined with a wax-like material, each holding one egg and a pollen ball. The nests may be isolated or constructed in groups.
Melissodes are important pollinators of sunflowers, daisies and asters.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- None recommended
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Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.