Never before seen bee
I am still waiting for my first sunflower bloom, however, I have seen a really neat looking bee in my yard, (I have been trying to get pictures of it, but it isn't working out so well, because the bee moves so fast) but, it really likes my Yellow Day lilies. It has a metallic green head and thorax and a black and yellow striped abdomen. It collects pollen in pollen pockets on its back legs and moves like it is on a high dose of caffine. I only see this bee in the morning around 9 am to 10 am and it is the only one like it I have seen so far. I know with out a picture it would be hard to tell what type it is, however, does anyone know what type it could be? or has anyone else seen any bees that match this description? I was wondering if it might be considered a solitary bee, but I wasn't sure.
Thanks!
J Scott
Your Bee
Does it look like this one, If so it's a Green Bee
http://see.tzo.com:81/2009/2009-07-03%20Yard/100_5677.jpg.htm
Never Seen Before Bee
Yes, that is exactly what my bee looks like. Do you know if they are honey producers?
Thank you so much!
It's an Agapostemon
These are solitary bees where a single queen lays her own eggs in pollen that she's gathered. The only bees that really produce a lot of honey in North America are the honey bees (who, by the way, aren't native). Bumble bees keep a bit of "honey" in their hives but only about a 5 day supply so, it isn't enough to harvest.