Unequal Cellophane Bee (Colletes inaequalis)

Unequal Cellophane Bee, a reference photo — Photo: USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory from Beltsville, USA · Public domain

Colletes inaequalis is a common species of plasterer bee (family Colletidae), native to North America. Like other species in the genus, it builds cells in underground nests that are lined with a polyester secretion, earning the genus the nickname of polyester bees. C. inaequalis is a pollinator of red maple trees, willow trees, and apple trees.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Unequal Cellophane Bee being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Colletes validus
Andrena erythronii
Andrena bradleyi
Andrena barbilabris
Melitta melittoides
Colletes cunicularius

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Colletidae
Genus: Colletes
Species: Colletes inaequalis

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