Common Yellow-face Bee
Hylaeus communis
This record describes Hylaeus communis (species). Recorded family: Colletidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Size 6 to 8 mm. Males can be distinguished by the facial markings with the yellow on the face obviously divided by black bands and curling around the antennal sockets. Females have far more restricted yellow on the face, just a small patch lying against the edge of the eye. The antennae are entirely dark below and the hind tibia has a prominent yellow ring on the basal quarter to a half. The corners of the prothorax are prominent and strongly angled. Include photos showing the key characters, including a face shot, side, top and wings. Note whether male or female and explain how the specimen met the key characters and the key used. Records identified by a recognised local or national expert will be accepted. If identified via the BWARS’ Facebook note the name of the person/organisation identifying the record (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’) and quote the comment received. Feeds on a range of flowers and often found in gardens. Probably the commonest of this group in the UK.
Wikipedia reference for Hylaeus communis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hylaeus_communis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Colletidae (Cellophane, Plasterer, Masked, and Allied Bees)
- Subfamily
- Diphaglossinae
- Genus
- Hylaeus (Masked Bees)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Feeds on a range of flowers and often found in gardens.
Seasonal Activity
Peak time around July.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Probably the commonest of this group in the UK.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Hylaeus communis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Common Yellow-face Bee (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Yellow-face Bee
What is Common Yellow-face Bee?
Common Yellow-face Bee (Hylaeus communis) is a species in the family Colletidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Common Yellow-face Bee?
6 to 8 mm. Males can be distinguished by the facial markings with the yellow on the face obviously divided by black bands and curling around the antennal sockets. Females have far more restricted yellow on the face, just a small patch lying against the edge of the eye. The antennae are entirely dark below and the hind tibia has a prominent yellow ring on the basal quarter to a half. The corners of the prothorax are prominent and strongly angled.
Where is Common Yellow-face Bee found?
Habitat: Feeds on a range of flowers and often found in gardens.
When is Common Yellow-face Bee active?
Common Yellow-face Bee: seasonal activity - Peak time around July..