The Pallid Bee is a large, robust solitary bee of the Sonoran Desert with cream-yellow and black patterning. Males dig up unmated females from their underground pupal cells and compete frantically in scramble competition before females even emerge. Females provision deep underground nests with desert plant oils mixed with pollen. It is a key pollinator of palo verde and other desert trees.
Best time to see a Pallid Bee
The best time to see a Pallid Bee is April–May, when about 90% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 349 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Pallid Bee? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Pallid Bee sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Pallid Bee?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.