When it number to the desert , one might not bear to incur many bee buzzing around . However , there are actually a few species of sole bee that have adapted to flourish in the desiccated landscape of the southwest United States . One such bee is the Centris pallida , unremarkably known as the pallid bee .
Now , you might be wondering what on the button a solitary bee is . Unlike social bee , such as honey bee or bumblebee , solitary bees do not live in colony or hives . Each distaff bee is responsible for building her own nest , collecting food , and elevate her progeny . This sovereign lifestyle lay solitary bee aside from their more social congener .
The Centris pallida , often described as a “ grey , blurry - looking dear bee , ” is one of the lone bee that call the desert their home . in person , I have had the chance to observe these engrossing creatures in action during my visits to the southwestern deserts .
One distinctive feature of speech of the Centris pallida is its size of it . These bee are relatively big , measuring around 1 inch in length . Their bodies are covered in slow , pale hairs that give them a foggy appearance . These hairs serve multiple purposes , including supply insulation against the uttermost desert temperatures and assisting in the compendium of pollen .
discover the behavior of these solitary bees , I noticed that they are excellent pollinators . They have a preference for certain desert plants , such as the desert marigold and brittle bush , which trust on them for pollenation . As they visit flowers in search of nectar , the bees inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower to another , enabling the plants to reproduce .
Another interesting aspect of the Centris pallida is its foraging behavior . These bee are known to be effective and strategic in their hunt for food . They have the ability to voyage long distances in search of the upright flowered resourcefulness , which can sometimes be scarce in the desert . I have witness them flee from one patch of blossom flowers to another , indefatigably searching for nectar and pollen .
speak of their nests , the Centris pallida construct them in the ground . The distaff bee digs tunnel in sandy stain , create individual chambers for each egg . She then purvey each sleeping accommodation with a mixed bag of pollen and nectar , which will serve as food for thought for the developing bee larvae . Once the nest is complete , the female seals it off and moves on to build another nest elsewhere .
The Centris pallida is just one example of a solitary bee that thrive in the desert environment . Despite the abrasive conditions , these bees have adapted unequaled trait to survive and toy a full of life theatrical role in pollinate desert flora . keep an eye on their behavior and experiencing their presence in the desert has been a truly singular and optic - opening night experience for me .
Caroline Bates
