White-jawed Yellow-face Bee
Hylaeus confusus
This record describes Hylaeus confusus (species). Recorded family: Colletidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance

This bee is a very close relative of the scarcer Hylaeus incongruus and the females of the two species can be difficult to distinguish apart; the facial markings offers the best character for identification. In southern England both species are occasionally found flying together. 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’). Mainly associated with open deciduous woodland but it also occurs in bushy places on chalk grassland, heaths, fens and on the coast. Presumed to be univoltine in the British Isles, flying from late May to the end of September. Nests in a variety of burrows in dead stems and wood; a female has been seen burrowing in the ground. Widely distributed throughout Britain though rare and sporadic in Scotland. It is a locally common bee in the southern half of Britain. https://www.flickr.com/photos/63075200@N07/albums/72157633244749110/ No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Colletidae
- Genus
- Hylaeus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mainly associated with open deciduous woodland but it also occurs in bushy places on chalk grassland, heaths, fens and on the coast.
Seasonal Activity
Presumed to be univoltine in the British Isles, flying from late May to the end of September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Nests in a variety of burrows in dead stems and wood; a female has been seen burrowing in the ground.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widely distributed throughout Britain though rare and sporadic in Scotland. It is a locally common bee in the southern half of Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Hylaeus confusus. 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 White-jawed Yellow-face Bee (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About White-jawed Yellow-face Bee
What is White-jawed Yellow-face Bee?
White-jawed Yellow-face Bee (Hylaeus confusus) is a species in the family Colletidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is White-jawed Yellow-face Bee found?
Habitat: Mainly associated with open deciduous woodland but it also occurs in bushy places on chalk grassland, heaths, fens and on the coast.
When is White-jawed Yellow-face Bee active?
White-jawed Yellow-face Bee: seasonal activity - Presumed to be univoltine in the British Isles, flying from late May to the end of September..
What is the life cycle of a White-jawed Yellow-face Bee?
Nests in a variety of burrows in dead stems and wood; a female has been seen burrowing in the ground.
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