The Polyester Bee lines its nest cells with a cellophane-like waterproof polyester secretion produced by a salivary gland — a material functionally identical to some synthetic plastics. This lining protects the pollen provision and egg from moisture. It is one of the earliest bees to emerge in spring in the East and nests in aggregations in sandy soil. Females collect pollen almost exclusively from willows in early spring.
Best time to see a Polyester Bee
The best time to see a Polyester Bee is March–April, when about 86% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 5,176 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Polyester Bee? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
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