The Long-horned Bee (Melissodes bimaculatus) is named for the exceptionally long antennae of males. It is a medium-sized, fast-flying bee common on sunflowers and asters, collecting pollen with dense scopal hairs on its hind legs. Males patrol flowers aggressively and sleep in groups on plant stems. Like squash bees, it nests in the ground and is an important native pollinator.
Habitat
Fields, meadows, gardens, and prairie with composites
Diet
Adults and larvae: pollen and nectar, especially from sunflowers and asters
How common
Common
Recent Long-horned Bee sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Long-horned Bee? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free