HymenopteraMegachilidae

Sleepy Carpenter Bee

Chelostoma florisomne

This record describes Chelostoma florisomne (species). Recorded family: Megachilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Sleepy Carpenter Bee - Chelostoma florisomne

A larger version of the more frequently encountered C. campanularum ; of the same general long, thin cylindrical shape, but with distinctive white bands of short hairs on the apices of the abdominal segments. The males also have a two-pronged peg on the final segment of the abdomen and this may be used in the same way as that on the males of C. campanularum but that remains uncertain. 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 of the specimen, illustrating the key characters taken from a standard key, which should also be referenced (e.g. ‘Falk, 2015’). The full set of key characters are generally not visible in field photos and photos are rarely sharp enough. To aid in the verification of your records, please include face shot, side, top and wings. The notes should state whether male or female, and explain how the specimen met the key characters. Although NS may not be able to identify the species even if these reference photos are provided, the photos will be stored with the record and may allow it be identified in future. Alternatively, NS will accept records identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via BWARS Facebook Group . If you have obtained this advice, please note the name of the person/organisation identifying the record in the ‘determiner’ field (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’) rather than just a comment of ‘BWARS Facebook’. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Most often associated with the interface between woodland and meadow where buttercups are present. It is not regularly found in gardens. Oligolectic on Ranunculaceae. It is notable as one of the few bees ever to be found in the flowers of this plant family. Found throughout England and Wales but uncommon elsewhere in Britain. No additional images available for this species.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Genus
Chelostoma

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Most often associated with the interface between woodland and meadow where buttercups are present. It is not regularly found in gardens.

Seasonal Activity

Univoltine; May to July.

Diet and Behavior

Life History

Oligolectic on Ranunculaceae. It is notable as one of the few bees ever to be found in the flowers of this plant family.

Additional species information

Recorded status

Found throughout England and Wales but uncommon elsewhere in Britain.

About Flies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Chelostoma florisomne. 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.

Explore Hymenoptera families and species →

Photos of Sleepy Carpenter Bee (5)

Sleepy Carpenter Bee - photo 1
Sleepy Carpenter Bee - photo 2
Sleepy Carpenter Bee - photo 3
Sleepy Carpenter Bee - photo 4
Sleepy Carpenter Bee - photo 5

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleepy Carpenter Bee

What is Sleepy Carpenter Bee?

Sleepy Carpenter Bee (Chelostoma florisomne) is a species in the family Megachilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.

Where is Sleepy Carpenter Bee found?

Habitat: Most often associated with the interface between woodland and meadow where buttercups are present. It is not regularly found in gardens.

When is Sleepy Carpenter Bee active?

Sleepy Carpenter Bee: seasonal activity - Univoltine; May to July..

What is the life cycle of a Sleepy Carpenter Bee?

Oligolectic on Ranunculaceae. It is notable as one of the few bees ever to be found in the flowers of this plant family.