Pollinators

Cuckoo bees are fascinating kleptoparasitic bees that rely on the nests of other specialist bees to reproduce. Unlike most bees, they do not collect pollen to provision their own nests. Instead, females lay eggs in the nests of host bees such as mason bees, leafcutter bees, and mining bees, where their larvae consume the pollen […]

Mason bees are gentle, solitary native bees best known for their incredible pollination efficiency and their use of mud to build nest chambers. Active primarily in spring, these bees are among the most effective pollinators of fruit trees and early-blooming plants. Unlike honey bees, mason bees do not live in hives or produce honey —

Cellophane bees are solitary, ground-nesting native bees known for lining their underground nest chambers with a waterproof, cellophane-like secretion. Sometimes called plasterer bees or polyester bees, these quiet pollinators are widespread across North America and are especially active in spring and early summer. Though rarely noticed, they play an important role in supporting native plants

Oil-collecting bees are fascinating specialists that collect floral oils instead of, or in addition to, pollen and nectar. In North America, these bees belong to the genus Macropis, so “oil-collecting bees” typically refers to Macropis species. They use these oils to provision their nests and sometimes in reproduction. These bees rely almost entirely on oil-producing

Longhorn bees are fascinating members of the Apidae family, known for their long antennae and specialized relationships with certain plants. Some longhorn bees, such as squash bees (Peponapis), specialize in pollinating cucurbits like squash, pumpkin, and zucchini. These solitary bees are gentle and efficient, making them valuable allies for gardeners and native plant enthusiasts. *I’m

Leafcutter bees are solitary, cavity-nesting native bees best known for the neat, circular cuts they leave on leaves. While those half-moon shapes can surprise gardeners, they are actually a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Active primarily in summer, leafcutter bees are important pollinators of vegetables, wildflowers, and garden plants. Unlike honey bees, they do not

Sweat bees are among the most common native bees in North America. Ranging from dull brown to brilliant metallic green, these small but important pollinators can be found in gardens, meadows, and even backyards throughout the growing season. Despite their name, sweat bees are generally non-aggressive and play a major role in pollinating both wild

If you’ve ever noticed dozens of small holes appearing in your lawn in early spring, you may have encountered mining bees. These solitary, ground-nesting native bees are among the first pollinators to emerge in Ohio each year. Quiet, non-aggressive, and incredibly important to our ecosystems, mining bees are often misunderstood. They play a critical role

Native bees include many species that specialize on specific plants. These specialist bees play an important role in pollinating native flowers and garden plants across Ohio. If you’ve ever heard the term specialist bees and wondered what it meant, you’re not alone. In Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, many native bees aren’t generalists that visit