HYMENOPTERA > APOCRITA | Aculeata > APOIDEA > Colletidae

Although there are some good indicators here that this particular specimen is Hylaeus dilatatus, it’s difficult to confirm without a better view of the face. Twelve Hylaeus species have been recorded in Britain, all with scattered, primarily southern, distribution. They are mostly tiny to small, predominantly black, solitary bees that are inconspicuously haired and lack pollen brushes. Yellow or white markings are usually present on the face, antennae, legs and thorax. Females usually have a pair of spots on each side of the face whilst the face of the males are usually more prominently coloured. Nesting occurs in hollow plant stems or pre-existing holes in wood, walls and vertical earth banks.