Megachilidae: Carder Bees (Anthidium spp.)

categories: Bees Megachilidae Pollinators

last review date: 2026-04-26 08:26

Biology

Carder bees are so named because they ‘card’ or comb cottony down from hairy leaves using it to construct brood cells. There are 23 species in North America with at least one species, Anthidium maculosum, in the Pacific Northwest.

A European species, Anthidium manicatum, was accidentally introduced into North America in the early 1960s and it is now widespread in the US, including Washington State. This is the Anthidium species, most likely to be seen in Washington home gardens.

Anthidium manicatum is robust-bodied, about the size of a honeybee and brightly patterned in yellow and black, similar to a yellowjacket wasp. It nests in existing cavities like cracks in walls or knot holes in wood.

Nest cells are formed that use hairs shaved from pubescent leaves of plants like Mullein. Cells are provisioned with pollen and nectar.

Wool carder bees are fast fliers, and capable of hovering. Males are aggressive, defending territories from other bees.

Attracting and Keeping Natural Enemies
and Pollinators in Your Yard and Garden

• Native plants provide essential resources.
• Native flora also provides natural overwintering sites.
• Natural dispersion from nearby habitats ensures visitation.
• Some kinds of beneficial insects predatory mites are commercially available.
• Avoid regular use of synthetic, broad-spectrum pesticides.
• Infrequent use of certain narrow-spectrum pesticides is more compatible with some beneficials.
• Extensive lawns are also not conducive to attracting beneficial insects.

Management Options

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended