Bee ID - Ask Extension
Several of these bees were visiting flowers of Willamette Valley Gumweed in my garden in Eugene in early July. I am not sure what the bee is - I thou...
Knowledgebase
Bee ID #879061
Asked July 27, 2024, 7:47 PM EDT
Several of these bees were visiting flowers of Willamette Valley Gumweed in my garden in Eugene in early July. I am not sure what the bee is - I thought it might be a species of pebble bee, but I don't see any pebble bees in the Oregon Bee Atlas - maybe a species of woolcarder bee? ID appreciated. thanks
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Evelyn,
You've been busy observing in your garden. What about a Western Yellowjacket? They do gather nectar as the carbohydrate source of food. As you know they also feast on fallen fruits.
Or maybe it is a cuckoo bee. (Page 18 in this guide from the Oregon Department of Ag.)
Definitely not a wool carder bee because it lacks pollen carrying hairs.
Have you ever considered joining the Oregon Bee Atlas program?
You are very observant and this topic interests you greatly. I think you would be a great citizen scientist and add greatly to our knowledge of native bees in Oregon.
You've been busy observing in your garden. What about a Western Yellowjacket? They do gather nectar as the carbohydrate source of food. As you know they also feast on fallen fruits.
Or maybe it is a cuckoo bee. (Page 18 in this guide from the Oregon Department of Ag.)
Definitely not a wool carder bee because it lacks pollen carrying hairs.
Have you ever considered joining the Oregon Bee Atlas program?
You are very observant and this topic interests you greatly. I think you would be a great citizen scientist and add greatly to our knowledge of native bees in Oregon.
