Hairy Yellow-face
Hylaeus hyalinatus
This record describes Hylaeus hyalinatus (species). Recorded family: Colletidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 5.5 to 7 mm. Males can be identified by the largely white (not really yellow) and hairy face. Females are harder to identify: they have a long face with two white triangles on the face, adjacent to the lower half of the eyes. The sides of tergite 1 are covered in dense punctures. Both sexes have antennae that are black above but orange below. Most solitary bees and wasps are difficult to identify, and can rarely be identified from photos taken in the field. All red-rated records should include a photo, or set of photos, showing the key characters, which may require the specimen. Please include a face shot, side, top and wings. Note whether male or female, explain how the specimen met the key characters and the key used. We will accept records identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via the BWARS’ Facebook noting the name of the person/organisation identifying the record (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’). Takes pollen from various flowers. Plasterer bees smooth the walls of their nest cells with secretions applied with their mouthparts; these secretions dry into a cellophane-like lining. Widespread and fairly frequent in England.
Wikipedia reference for Hylaeus hyalinatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hylaeus_hyalinatus.
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
Hedgerows and meadows.
Seasonal Activity
May to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Takes pollen from various flowers. Plasterer bees smooth the walls of their nest cells with secretions applied with their mouthparts; these secretions dry into a cellophane-like lining.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in England.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Hylaeus hyalinatus. 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 Hairy Yellow-face (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hairy Yellow-face
What is Hairy Yellow-face?
Hairy Yellow-face (Hylaeus hyalinatus) is a species in the family Colletidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Hairy Yellow-face?
5.5 to 7 mm. Males can be identified by the largely white (not really yellow) and hairy face. Females are harder to identify: they have a long face with two white triangles on the face, adjacent to the lower half of the eyes. The sides of tergite 1 are covered in dense punctures. Both sexes have antennae that are black above but orange below.
Where is Hairy Yellow-face found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and meadows.
When is Hairy Yellow-face active?
Hairy Yellow-face: seasonal activity - May to September..
What is the life cycle of a Hairy Yellow-face?
Takes pollen from various flowers. Plasterer bees smooth the walls of their nest cells with secretions applied with their mouthparts; these secretions dry into a cellophane-like lining.