Melissodes - long-horned bees
Melissodes are called long-horned bees because males have unusually long antennae. They are large and stout bees that vary greatly in color from black to silver, and may or may not have abdominal banding. They typically do not emerge until summer. Approximately 25 species live in Oregon.
Size: 9-15mm
Preferred crops: Flowers and herbs grown for seed, sunflowers, and other plants within the daisy family.
Nesting Behavior: Solitary. Melissodes nest in tunnels in the ground.
Preferred crops: Flowers and herbs grown for seed, sunflowers, and other plants within the daisy family.
Nesting Behavior: Solitary. Melissodes nest in tunnels in the ground.
Long-horned bees have large, brush-like hairs on their back legs that they use to carry pollen.