The Long-horned Bee (Melissodes bimaculatus) is named for the exceptionally long antennae of males. It is a medium-sized, fast-flying bee common on sunflowers and asters, collecting pollen with dense scopal hairs on its hind legs. Males patrol flowers aggressively and sleep in groups on plant stems. Like squash bees, it nests in the ground and is an important native pollinator.
Best time to see a Long-horned Bee
The best time to see a Long-horned Bee is June–July, when about 68% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 18,142 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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