Hawaiian Yellow-faced Bee
"Yellow faced bee" by Naomi Baker (digital)
“The yellow faced bee unfortunately looks like a wasp, which are already quite scary. For this they get looked over in a world where bees as a whole are not doing so well, despite their enormous roll in the pollination that leads to successful food production. ”
Also called the Longhead yellow-faced bee.
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Habitat
Hawaiian yellow-faced bees can be found in a large range of locations throughout the Hawaiian islands, including the coast, dry forests, shrublands and wet forests, among others. They depend significantly on native plants and the introduction of non-native plants limits their presence in that particular area. They have adapted to be able to survive in nearly every type of habitat present on the island.
Family Life
The yellow-faced bee is solitary. The female will use available spaces within the ground or areas with bark as impromptu nests; she does not create the nest on her own. The female lays eggs in the nest, leaving the larvae nectar and pollen to eat when they hatch.
Lifespan
Unknown
Hunting Habits/Diet
These bees require a habitat with a diversity of native Hawaiian plants that flower throughout the year. They subsist on pollen and nectar.
Population
Population size is not known. Seven yellow-faced bee species have been declared Endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Fun Facts
The Hawaiian yellow-faced bee is also known as the longhead yellow-faced bee. These are the first bees in the country to be protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Why are they Endangered?
Habitat loss could result in potentially disastrous effects on the survival of the Hawaiian yellow-faced bee. Development, agriculture and recreational activity, as well as natural disasters, are threatening their habitat. Non-native plants and animals can pose issues, as well as climate change.
Status
Endangered
Sources
http://xerces.org/hylaeus-anthracinus/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hylaeus_longiceps
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/10/03/496402620/bee-species-added-to-u-s-endangered-species-list-for-1st-time
