(5500 - 6500 ft)

      update November 2006

"Binary keys are written by people who do not need them
           for people who cannot use them"

 Checklist of Apoidea in Colorado Springs 
 Check 'Colorado' at Bugguide 

When diagnosing Apoid flower visitors, one will not find it too
difficult to recognize the Coleoptera (flower beetles) and Hemiptera
(flower bugs). Diptera (flower flies, Syrphidae, Bombyllidae) may
look confusing at first sight, but a close look at their antenna "stumps"
should separate them from the bees.
More difficult are some other flower-visiting non-Apoid Hymenoptera
which may be easily taken for Apoids (bees). You need to catch them
and look at them in a glass jar with a magnifying glass.
Among them are some smaller Sphecidae and Tenthredinidae whose
meso-/meta-tarsal spurs and wing venation can be checked in vivo.

The number of tibial spurs in Colorado Apoidea is (1-1-2) with the
exception of Apis (1-1-0) and a few male Megachile sp. having no
mid-tibial (1-0-2) or no meta-tibial (1-1-0) spurs according to a
communication from Dr.Charles D. Michener and Mitchell (vol.II,p.113).

If you find 2 mesotarsal spurs, you did not catch an Apoid.
If you find 1 cubital cell (.1c.) in the wing, you may have
a Sphecid of the Crabroninae or Larrinae (Trypoxylon) group.
Tenthredinidae usually have antennae with 9 segments rather than
12 or 13 antenna segments of the male or female Apoids, respectively.
Argidae have 3 antenna segments only and are not too frequent(?).
If the Notum (Thorax) has conspicuus yellow or white spots between the
wings, you may not have an Apoid (unless you have a Nomada or Hylaeus or
Anthidium).

If the Hymenopteron has club-antennae it is probably a pollen wasp
(genus Pseudomasaris) or a Cimbicid Sawfly.

If there are other pointers, please, let me know. We should all be
learners in this difficult field of bee diagnostics.
Most large Sphecoids and Vespoids do not look bee-like and will not
be mistaken for Apoids.

Cockerell (1866-1948) states that it is possible with not too much
difficulty to diagnose Apoids to the genus level. If he could do it,
I and you may not be able to do it,though, but we should try it now,
5 decades later.
I offer the following guide lines and abbreviations:
Some Apoid genera have 2 cubital (=submarginal) cells (.2c.), the size
of the cells is given here in decreasing order;
Other genera have 3 cubital (=submarginal) cells (.3c.), the size
of the cells is given here in decreasing order (a,b,c) or (a,b).
Scopa on hind legs: fsc = femoral scopa; tsc = tibial scopa.
Information is also given on body length (in mm), months of flight,
head-thorax (h-thx) and abdomen (abd).
??mm indicates lack of info on the body length with an URGENT invitation
for help. If you find errors, please indicate.
Please, note that most females are larger than males among bee genera
with the notable exception of Anthidium. That implies that the body length
ranges given apply mostly to females at the upper range, to males at the
lower range.
Females of the non-parasitic Megachilidae (Leafcutters) collect pollen
under their belly (jbsc = jelly-belly scopa) whose color in a certain
region seems to be diagnostic. If this color is black (in many Osmia
species), then the jbsc may easily escape the bee student and lead to
ID frustration. The aroliae of the claws separate the
genus Megachile (absent) and Osmia (present).

A number of males have white or yellow face marks on their clypeus
(yclyp = yellow clypeus) which the females may not have.
Long antennae (about half of the body length) are found in males of
Melissodes, Svastra and Eucera (Tetralonia-Synhalonia).
(I am not sure how to separate these 3 genera easily without pictures.
Any suggestion?).

Some of the abd (=abdominal) bands are cut in the center (=top-cut)
or notched (=top-notched) in certain genera (Anthidium, Stelis,
Epeolus, Triepeolus, Calliopsis). I have not seen all of these genera
in vivo or in vitro or on a picture. The German Bienen-Book (1997) has
good color photos on many genera.
So, if I missed some "top-cut" or "top-notched" genera, let me know.
Also, the reverse is true, if some genera should be excluded.
Keep in mind, though, that I discuss genera to be found or expected
in Colorado Springs, and if you think of possible exceptions that
you know from your area, they may not be found in my area.

In order to ID Apoidea it may be helpful to get some idea
what species or genera or species to expect in a certain habitat
and group the habitats accordingly.

I offer the following bee habitat groupings:

1) Tree-less (but not shrub-less) grassland offers shrub-shaded soil (=.ss.)
for nesting or shelter and attracts Andrena, Synhalonia, Perdita, Heterosarus,
Nomadopsis, Halictus, Lasioglossum, Agapostemon, Nomia, Anthidium,
some Colletes, some Bombus, some Magachile. Shade under shrubs seems to be
preferred over shade under trees and is esssential for soil nesters.
If there are trees, they are "clean" and without dead-wood like in
suburbia. (No "close-by" shrubs means no bee pollinators nor wildflowers).

2) Dead-wood trees (=.dw.), especially with holes from bark-beetles,
mostly in undisturbed conifers, offer nesting and shelter and attract
Hylaeus, Ashmeadiella, Hoplitis, Proteriades, Anthidium, Stelis,
Heriades, Coelioxys, Nomada, Svastra, some Megachile, some Bombus, some
Colletes, some Osmia.

3) Special habitats:
 a) Apis mf.
 b) Some Osmia nest in snail shells (apparently also in Colorado mountains).
 c) Hollow stalks of shrubs and tall forbes near creek beds
    attract Ceratina.

For genera not mentioned here, I find no information and solicit your
assistance to get it, especially on the bee species level.

The range of flower visits from bee nests is probably not
farther than 200 yards. That means that bee-pollinated flowers
would only be found within 200 yards of shrubs or trees.
Botanists should pay attention to the question of distribution
of flowering plants in relation to location of shrubs and trees
as potential ports of pollinating bees.

The observed number of individual bees of a species is much
larger in social than in solitary species for a given area.
Examples of social species that come to mind is Apis mf.
and Bombus sp. Additional social species belong to the
Halictidae family (Michener, 1974) which I have marked with (.so.)
to flag them as possible "common" species.

Since Colorado Springs is old Cockerell territory, I have compiled a data
base of the Apoid genera which by the FIND command give all genera when I
search for keywords like
arol  = claws have arolia,
.2c. (= 2 cubital cells), .3c. (3 cubital cells),
noa = claws have no arolia
  (as in the genera Anthidium, Dioxys, Coelioxys, Lithurgus, Megachile,
  Chalicodoma, Centris, Xylocopa, Bombus, Psithyrus. They are unable
  to climb the wall in your glass jar)
(a,b,c) or (a,b) = cubital cell numbers in decreasing order for size,
smoky wings, smoky wing tips, body length in mm, months of flight, color,
yclyp = yellow clypeus for males.
fsc = femoral scopae (brushes) on hind legs
tsc = tibial scopae (brushes) on hind legs

The color of the wing stigma {..} may also help in identification
of mainly short-tongued bees:

Amber (or honey yellow {hy} or ear-wax) color is found in the genera
Agapostemon, some Andrena, Halictus, larger Evylaus (> 5mm),
Lasioglossum, Dufourea, some Pterosarus, some Colletes,
Augochlorella, Augochloropsis, some Nomia, some Nomada.

The stigma of long-tongued bees is dark brown or black (except Nomada).

* = my observation;  ~ = rare.
Once the genus has been determined, the species may or may not be
found by further investigation.
This polynary "Quick and Dirty Guide to Colorado Springs Apoid Genera"
should be of benefit to all who have problems with binary keys
which usually are hidden in the literature.

My info sources make up a short list:

Weber, W.A.: T.D.A.Cockerell (Bibliography of his 3904 numbered papers),
  U.of Colo.Press, 1965

Cockerell (1898): Tables for the Determination of New Mexico Bees (Weber Nr.1087)

Cockerell (1906): The Bees of Florissant Colorado (Weber Nr.1851)

Cockerell (1907): The Bees of Boulder County (Weber Nr.1938)

Cockerell & Robbins (1910): Rocky Mt.Bees (Weber Nr.2178)

Cockerell (1919): The Bees of the Rocky Mt.Nat.Park (Weber Nr.2822)

Cockerell (1927): Zoology of Colorado (Weber Nr.3235)

Cockerell (1928): Suppl.Notes on Colorado Bees (Weber Nr.3241)

Cockerell et Blair (1930):Rocky Mountain Bees I (Weber Nr.3313)

Cockerell et Sumner (1932): Rocky Mountain Bees III (Weber Nr.3371)

Cockerell (1934): October Bee-Collecting (Weber Nr.3531)

Lanham,U.N. (1941): Bees of the genus Andrena (Ann.Ent.Soc.Am.XXXIV,702)
   instead of Cockerell (Rocky Mt Bees II).

T.B.Mitchell:Bees of the Eastern US, 2 vols., 1960, 1962.

Krombein-Hurd-Smith: Catalog of Hymenoptera, 1979, 3 vols.

Hurd-LaBerge-Linsley (1980):Principal Sunflower Bees
etc.,Smithsonian Contr.Nr.310

Mueller,A., A.Krebs, F.Amiet (1997):Bienen-Mitteleur.Gattungen,
  Lebensweise,Beobachtung:Weltbild-Verlag,Augsburg (color photos)

Witt,R.(1998):Wespen beobachten,bestimmen. Weltbild-Verlag,Augsburg,360 pp.

Bellmann,H.(1995):Bienen,Wespen,Ameisen, Kosmos-Verlag,Stuttgart,336 pp.

11 papers by O.A.STEVENS on "Native Bees" he wrote from 1948 - 1952
(about 80 pages long) in the North Dakota Agri.Exp.Station Bimonthly
Bulletin.

Botany Professor O.A.Stevens (1885 - 1979) spent his life studying
plants, birds, bees, and wasps. During his 67-year career at North Dakota
Agricultural College/State University, he focused on the identification
of plants and on the habits of bees and wasps.
He amassed a collection of 12,000 bees and wasps, including a dozen
species previously unrecorded.
During an eleven-year period (1909-1920), he collected bees and wasps
native to North Dakota and documented the flowers the insects visited.
The collection is now housed at the American Museum of Natural History
in New York. His personal papers are in the archives of
North Dakota State University
    ( http://www.lib.ndsu.nodak.edu/archives/.../Stevens.html
  Archivist email: Michael.Robinson@ndsu.nodak.edu  )

Gilette Insect Museum at CSU, Fort Collins CO.

  Colletidae "Proto-Bees"

Colletes sp.Latreille 1802 .8.9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16.mm
 .3c.(1,2=3);Y;pollen hairs on thx;black-brown,white 5abb,3+2abb;SmokyW;fsc,tsc;
 {hy}or{brown};bifid glossa;S-vein;mostly oligolectic;

  C.gilensis,14-14.5mm;jun-aug,brown ant;~on Melilotus,Solidago,Petalostemon
  C.petalostemonis,7-9mm,{hy},jun-aug,~on Melilotus alba,Petalostemon,Dalea

Hylaeus sp.Fabr.1793                      .4.5.6.7.8.9.mm
 .2c.(1,2).dw.;2To3To;black abd;0abb;white (or yellow) fm;{brown};polylectic
  0sc;black/yellow legs;1notum (collar) black or w/white or yellow marks

  H.basalis,8-9mm,may-aug,black face;black thx;sl.SmokyW;on Apiaceae,Penstemon
  H.ellipticus varifrons,5-7mm,may-jul,black collar;marked 12tibiae;sl.SmokyW;
  H.coloradensis,5.5-6mm,may-aug,yellow on collar;
  H.modestus,5-7mm,may-aug,marked collar;on Chrysanthemum,Erigeron,Achilea
  H.rudbeckia,5-6mm,jun-aug,marked collar;teg spot;marked tibia-tarsi
  H.mesillae cressoni,4-5mm, may-sep,black collar;marked tibiae;

  Andrenidae "Sandy-soil Bees" 

Andrena sp.Fabricius 1775 .7.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16.17.18.mm
 .3c.(1,3,2)or(1=3,2).ss.dark;Yi;Y;fm;hairy thx (black,white,or red);4abb;yclyp;
 fsc;tsc;many spring bees;hairy 3tibia,hairy trochanter,3-4 abb;{hy}or{brown}

  A.crataegi,12-13mm,may-jun,all black;SmokyW,*on Malus,Rhus,Taraxacum
  A.haynesi,18mm,jul-aug,no stigma,black spot on apex;*on Helianthus petiolar.
  A.helianthi,13-15mm,aug-sep,in morning/evening shade;pyg black triangle;*
  A.cressoni,11mm,may-jun,on Pulsatilla,Potentilla,Prunus,Rubus
  A.melanochroa,8-9mm,may-jul,*on Taraxacum,Fragaria,Potentilla,Salix,Rubus
  A.mariae,8-9mm,apr-may,red abd(f);{hy} *on Salix

Calliopsis sp.Smith 1853                  .7.8.9.mm
 (1,2)(1=2).ss.black;2TT;1notum w/white or yellow spots;?4abb;wclyp/yclyp;
  fm;hairy bees;white band on T1 top-cut?

  C.andreniformis,6-7mm,jun-sep,
   on Chrysanthemum,Aster,Convolvulus,Erigeron,Oenothera,Malva,Mel ilotus,Geum
   Penstemon,Rubus,Trifolium,Psoralea,Rudbeckia
  C.coloradensis,7-9mm,jun-sep,green eyes,yellow face spots,
   ~on Grindelia,Heterotheca,Solidago
  C.chlorops,7mm,jun-aug,on Compositae, Erigeron, Grindelia

Nomadopsis sp.Ashmead 1898                .5.6.mm
 .2c.(1,2);2TT;abd w/yellow spots or bands; 1st abb top-cut;slender;

  Not expected in Colorado Springs; montane: N.scituli,jun-jul,5-6mm;

Panurginus sp.Nylander 1848               .5.6.7.8.9.mm
 .2c.ss.(1,2);all shining black;0abb;tsc;truncate marg cell;yclyp(m);
  clear wings;'stigma islands';mostly oligolectic;
  Montane: P.cressoniellus,jun-aug,5-6mm;  P.ineptus,aug,6mm;

  P.beardsleyi,9-10mm,jun-jul,shiny brown-black,on Sphaeralcea only

Perdita sp.Smith 1853                     .6.7.mm
 .2c.(1,2).ss.;1T+2T+;fm;tsc;green-blue h-thx;dorsal bands on brown-black abd;
  reddish or white spots;black/yellow legs;oligo;2+3+;

  P.kiowi,6-7mm,aug,WHITE abd;*on Nuttallia decapetala,Eriogonum effusum,
  P.albipennis,6-7mm,jul-aug,white wings,{white},*on Helianthus
  P.opuntiae,6mm,may-jul,black h-thx,amber brown abd;on Opuntia,Hymenopxys

Pseudopanurgus sp.Cockerell 1897          .6.7.8.mm
 .2c.ss.(1,2);2TT;tsc;all shining black;0abb;yclyp(m);stigma islands;;
 oligolectic on Compositae

  P.aethiops,8-9mm,aug,all shiny black,*olig on Helianthus,Grindelia
  P.rugosus,7mm,jul,on Helianthus

Pterosarus sp.Timberlake 1967             .6.7.mm
 .2c.ss.(1,2);2TT;Tall black;honey-yellow veins;{hy}or{brown}
 truncated marg.cell;on Compositae;

  P.albitarsis,6mm,may-aug;{hy}.on Helianthus
  P.leucopterus,8mm,jul,red 3abd bands;*on Helianthus petiolaris
  P.innuptus,6-7mm,jul-sep,~on Helianthus

  Halictidae "Furrow-Bees" 

Agapostemon sp.Guerin-Meneville 1844 .9.10.11.12.13.14.mm
 .3c.ss.(1,3,2);Yo; green or blue h-thx;black abd w/white bands;{hy};tsc;
  often w/BRIGHTLY yellow pollen,polylectic;pygidial furrow (f);

  A.splendens,10-11mm,jul-aug,golden-winged SmokyW;{hy},*on Gaillardia
  A.texanum angelicum,9-11mm,may-oct,(f) all green;*on Aster,Geranium,
   Prunus,Senecio,Cirsium,Coreopsis,Helianthus,Rhus,Verbena,Ver onica,Carduus
  A.virescens,10-12mm,may-oct,*brown venter;green h-thx,black abd w/white 5abbs*
  A.cockerelli,9-10mm,jul,green h-thx,male w/black-yellow abd,legs;on Medicago

Augochlora sp.Smith 1853                  .8.mm
 .dw.ss.3c.(1,3,2);2T+;all brilliantly green;0abb;{hy}
 tsc;{brown};brown SmokyW;probably not in area;

  Augochlora pura,8mm,apr-sep,slightly SmokyW;poly;cu1 = cu2+cu3;
  ~on Verbena,Coreopsis,Helianthus,Melilotus,Polygonum,Solidago,As clepias etc.
  not expected in the area.

Augochlorella sp.Sandhouse 1937           .7.mm
 .so.ss.(1,3,2);2T+;all brilliantly green,sometimes coppery or blue;0abb;tsc;
 {hy};SLENDER;2T+;museum specimens turn blue

  A.striata,7mm,jun-oct,
   on Heracleum lanatum;Taraxacum;

Augochloropsis sp.Cockerell 1897          .8.9.10.11.mm
 .3c.(1,3,2);+;3Y;brilliantly green;3tibial spurs of fem pectinate;0abb;{hy}
 .ss.tsc;Inner margin of tegula notched;apex of marginal cell truncate;

  A.metallica,9mm,mar-nov,poly;~on Helianthus,Apocynum,Aster,Apocynum,Arabis,
   Chrysanthemum,Haplopappus,Fragaria,Melilotus,Prunus,Rhus,Sal ix.
   {hy};probably not in area
  A.humeralis,10-11mm,jul-aug,amber wings,~Helianthus,Gaillardia,Melilotus,
  Asclepias,Eriogonum; not expected in the area.

Dialictus sp.Robertson 1902               .3.4.5.6.7.mm
 .3c.(1,3,2).ss.;Yo; tsc;blue-green h-thx;dark abd;{brown},tegula;
 pygidial furrow (f); polylectic in summer-fall;many species;

  D.cressonii,6-7mm,apr-oct,dw,foothills-mont;~Erigeron,Pulsat illa
  D.occidentalis,4.5mm,apr-may,on Taraxacum,Potentilla,Salix,Linum,Ribes
  D.pruinosus,6mm,jun-sep,reddish abd; polylectic, on Senecio
  D.pruinosiformis,4-5mm,apr-jul,reddish abd;*on Helianthus,Mahonia,Polemonium
  D.zephyrus,5-7mm,mar-oct.so.red abd;on Erigeron,Apocynum,Asclepias,Aster,Cirsium

Dufourea sp.Lepeletier 1841               .8.9.mm
 (1,2).ss.shiny all black;2TT;hairy h-thx; w/weak 4abb;{hy};

  D.marginata,8-9mm,aug-sep,long ant;{hy},all black w/5 weak abd bands;
   the only black bee w/2 cub.cells and honey-yellow wing stigma;
   *on Helianthus,Grindelia

Evylaeus sp.Robertson 1902                .5.6.7.8.9.10.mm
 .ss.(1,3,2);2+;black;weak? 2abb,3abb or 0abb on all-black abd;
 pygid.furrow;tsc; {hy}or{black}

  E.cinctipes,8-9mm,apr-sep,lateral 2abb on T2T3;{hy}
  E.arcuatus,7-9mm,mar-sep,.so.poly,{hy} *on Taraxacum,Prunus,Potentilla,Salix
  E.cooleyi,8-10mm,jul,.so.,foothills,SmokyW: Penstemon,Geranium,Scrophularia
  E.pectoralis,5-6mm,jun-aug,2abb?,on Melilotus,Prunus,Rubus,Rudbeckia
  E.synthridis,6mm,may-jul;all black,0abb;flag brownish beneath;{black},foothills
  E.inconditus,5-6mm,may-jun,black w/weak 3abb;{hy}*

Halictus sp. Latreille 1894 .7.8.9.10.11.12.13.mm
 .3c.ss.(1,3,2);Yo;black or dull greenish;4abb,5abb on black abd;yclyp;{hy}
 tsc;SmokWT?sometimes abundant;(f) often dusted w/pollen;pygidial furrow;

  H.ligatus,7-10mm,may-sep,.so.*(the most common Halictus),4abb;
  H.rubicundus lerouxii,10-11mm,apr-aug,.so.4abb,white on black abd;*sl.SmokyWT;
   dark flagellum beneath;2To;
  H.farinosus,10mm,jun-oct,YELLOW tibia-tarsi,SmokyWT;4abb;*wasp-like legs
  H.confusus arapahum,6-8mm,jun-aug,green h-thx;*
  H.parallelus,10-13mm,jun-aug,sl.SmokyWT;5abb;Yoo;*

Lasioglossum sp.Curtis 1833               .7.8.9.10.11.mm
 (1,3,2)or(1,2=3).ss.;Yo; black;yclyp;0,1,?3abb,4abb;?{hy}or{brown} poly;
  tsc;males all black;weak distal wing veins,pyg.furrow;mostly polylectic

  L.sisymbrii,9-11mm,jun-jul,black w/1abb on T1,or 1+3 abb;
   plains-montane,*
  L.paraforbesii,8mm,Apr,2+1abb on T2T3T4;SmokyWT;on Rhus trilobata
  L.trizonatum,7-11mm,apr-aug,3abb;SmokyW;*poly,
   (1,2=3);2T+;{hy};on Rubus,Salix,Rosac.,Composita

Nomia sp.Latreille 1804 .11.12.13.14.15.16.17.18.mm
 .3c.ss.(1=3,2);Yo;black abd w/3 bright dorsal abb;{hy}?SmokyW or SmokyWT?;
 tsc;large bright tegulae;pygidial furrow;?mostly oligo;clubby 3tibia (m)

  N.universitatis,11-12mm,jun-sep,green abb;large 3femora;
  N.heteropoda,16-18mm,jul-oct,all black w/3 weak white abb;{hy};SmokyW;
  N.nevadensis bakeri,11-12mm.jun-sep,amber T1T2,1+3 abb;SmokyWT;*

Sphecodes sp.Latreille 1805               .4.5.6.7.8.9.10.mm
 .3c.ss.(1,3,2);Yo;black h-thx,fem red abd,male all-black abd;broad head;0abb
  0sc;{brown} or {hy},tegula; usually oligolectic;

  S.mandibularis,6-7mm,jul-aug,red abd w/black apex;~on Cicuta
  S.eustictus,5-6mm,may-jul,red-black abd;*on Potentilla,Chrysanthemum
  S.pecosensis,apr-may,9mm,SmokyW;Yo;~on Ribes
  S.confertus,apr-aug,9mm,m:7mm,foothiils,on Asclepias,Heracleum,Rhus,Salix
  S.sophiae,may-jul,6-8mm,all red abd;*on Rhus,Erigeron,Eriogonum,Sysymbrium

  Melittidae 

Hesperapis sp. Cockerell                  .13.mm
 .2c.(1,2)or(1=2);.ss.;sawtooth ant;2TT;0sc;

  H.carinata Stevens,13mm,aug,~on Helianthus

Macropis sp.Panzer 1809                   .7..mm
 .2c.ss.(1=2);2TT;yclyp;often raises pollen-packed hind-legs;SmokyWT;{brown}2abb
  tsc;last 2 white bands "brighter"on black abd;distinct 3tibiae;~on Lysimachia

  M. nuda,7mm, monolectic on Lythrum; Not expected in Colorado Springs

Melitta sp.Kirby 1802                     .10.11.12.mm
 .3c.ss.(1,3,2);2Y;3To;tsc;hairy thx;white or yellowish ?2abb on brownish abd;
  similar to Andrena;oligolectic;

  No species expected in Colorado Springs

  Megachilidae "Jelly-belly Bees" 

Anthidiellum sp.Cockerell 1904            .10.mm
 (1=2);T3T; whitish jbsc;black w/abb top-notched;colored tegulae;5abb;6abb
 fm;resin bee;nest near conifers only?on stones or stems;

  A.notatum gilense,10mm,on Chrysopis,Erigeron,Helianthus,Melilotus,
   Monarda,Phaseolus,Psoralea,Solidago,Trifolium
  A.notatum robertsoni,10mm,on Chrysopis,Erigeron,Helianthus,Melilotus,
   Monarda,Phaseolus,Psoralea,Solidago,Trifolium

Anthidium sp.Fabricius 1804 .8.9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16.17.18.mm
 .ss.(1=2)or(2,1);2Ti;3T;jbsc;noa;fm;white or yellow 5,6abb top-cut;{black}
 abd apex curved down;high-pitched hover or quick flight;

  A.porterae,11-12mm,aug,white jbsc,abb triply top-cut;plains;on Grindelia
  A.tenuiflora,8-10mm,jun-aug,brown jbsc,all-black face;on psorolea,
  A.manicatum,9-13mm (f),17-18mm (m),jun-sep,pale yellow jbsc,*European immigr.
  A.emarginatum,9mm,jun-aug,white jbsc,foothills-montane,all-black face,
  A.maculifrons,10-12mm,may-oct,white jbsc,,male has 3apical spines;

Ashmeadiella sp.Cockerell 1897            .5.6.7.8.mm
 .2c.dw.(1=2);2TTo;jbsc;all black;5abb;last dorsal band(s) "brighter";BIG head;
 {black};male abd ending w/4 teeth on T6;abd base concave;resin bee;

  A.bucconis denticula,5-8mm,jul-aug,all black,little hair,yellowish jbcs;
    on Helianthus,Grindelia,Chrysopsis

Callanthidium sp. Cockerell               .10.1.12.13.14.mm
 .co.5abb top-cut;reddish-yellow jbcs;
 On Phaceila

  C.formosum,10=14mm,5abb top-cut;reddish-yewllo jbsc;

Chalicodoma sp. Lepeletier (=Chelostomoide.9.10.mm
 .2c;(1=2),noa;all black,dorsal band weak on T2 w/bright side spot;jbsc
 narrow white bands on T3T4T5;yellow tibial spurs;

  C.subexilis,9-10mm,jun-aug;all black,white side spots on T1,white dorsal
  bands on T2T3T4T5;1 narrow + 3 wide ventral white jbsc;
  on Helianthus,Medicago,Melilotus,Monarda,Opuntia,Salvia,Psorale a,Trifolium

Coelioxys sp.Latreille 1809 conic bees    .9.10.11.12.mm
 (1=2)(1,2);2TT;conic apex (f);black;noa;white face;dorsal,ventral bands;5abb
 "thorny" apex (m);some have SmokyW or SmokyWT;0sc;

  C.sayi,9-12mm,may-oct,*SmokyW;black femora;red tibiae-tarsi;
  C.edita,12mm,jul-aug,black ant,dark red legs, on Grindelia
  C.octodentata,8-12mm,may-oct;poly;sl.SmokyW;black scape,dark red legs

Dianthidium sp.Cockerell 1900             .7.8.9.10.11.mm
 .2c.(1=2)(2,1);T3T;jbsc;.dw.black w/yellow abd spots;SmokyW?;coniferous habitat
 fm;resin bee;abd apex curved down;5abb,6abb top-cut EXC first 2 (di-);{black}

  D.curvatum sayi,7mm,apr-oct,red legs;~on Aster,Chrysopsis,Psorolea,Helianthus
  D.concinnum,9-11mm,aug,white jbsc,red legs,SmokyW,black clyp;~on Psorolea
  D.parvum,8mm,aug,deep yellow marks;yellow-black legs,~on Grindelia
  D.pudicum,8mm,aug-sep,yellow-black legs;
  D.ulkei,8-10mm,jul-aug,near Grindelia,~on compositae;

Heriades sp.Spinola 1808                  .6.7.8.9.mm
 .dw.(1=2);2TT;jbsc;all black w/ NARROW white 3-4abb;{black}
 males hold apex curved-down;resin bee;nests near conifers;similar to Osmia;

  H.gracilior,7-8mm,jun,white jbsc,*on Salix exigua
  H.carinata,6-7mm,may-aug,all black,legs all black;SmokyWT;narrow 4abd bands
   *on Apocynum,Asclepias,Erigeron,Melilotus,Potentilla,Rubus,Senec io,Trifolium
  H.variolosa,5-6mm,jun-aug,anterior legs red;~on Apocynum,Grindelia,
   Coreopsis,Senecio,Monarda,Melilotus

Heteranthidium sp.Cockerell 1904 (Trachusa.12.13.14.mm
 (1=2);T+;T3T; jbsc; black w/4 yellow spots on 3notum;5abb;hair short or absent
 4-5abb top-notched;high-pitched flight sound;{black}

  H.occidentale,12-13mm,jun-sep,noa(fem),abb on S4;olig ~on Helianthus
  H.zebratum,13-14mm,aug-oct,reddish jbsc,F1=F23;olig ~on Helianthus

Heterostelis sp.Timberlake 1941           .9.10.11.12.13.mm
 .black;all-black abd or w/yellow,white or red side spots;SmokyW;{black}

  No species expected in Colorado Springs

Hoplitis sp.Klug 1807 .6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.mm
 .dw.(1=2)or(1,2);1T+;weak jbsc;black(or metallic);sl.SmokyWT;?4abb;{black}
 no stigma;long abdomen;last dorsal bands "brighter"

  H.pilosifrons,6.5-8.5mm,may-jun,creamy jbsc;TT;*on Geranium,Opuntia,,Melilotus,
   Oenothera,Pedicularis,Penstemon,Potentilla,Rubus,Senecio,All ium,Trifolium

Lithurgus sp.Cresson                      .12.13.14.15.mm
 (1,2)or(1=2).dw.;2TT; jbsc;4abb top-cut;pygidial spine (f);{black}
 horiz.flattened abd;3tibia have short spines;prefers Opuntia;carpenters

  L.apicalis,15mm (f),12mm (m);jun-jul,red pygidial hair (f),~on Opuntia,Carduus

Megachile sp.Latreille 1802 .7.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16.17.18.mm
 .dw.(1=2);2TT;jbsc;hairy h-thx;noa;sl.SmokyWT?5abb;mostly polylectic
 4-5 dorsal bands;males have tarsal front "paws",orange? front femur-tibia?;

  M.brevis,7-11mm,apr-oct,*black;yellowish-white jbsc;sl.SmokyWT;T6 w/4teeth(m)
  M.townsendia,10-13mm,may-aug,*black,creamy-orange jbsc,hairy white notum
  M.parallela,12-14mm,may-sep,*black,gold-yellow jbsc;sl.SmokyWT;black notum
  M.latimanus,13-14mm,may-oct,red-orange jbsc;sl.SmokyWT;(2,1);1paws(m);*
  M.frigida,12-15mm,jun-aug,*on Epilobium,Grindelia,Trifolium
  M.inimica sayi,aug-sep,*on Cleome,Helianthus,Melilotus,Aster,Rudbeckia

Osmia sp.Panzer 1806                      .7.8.9.10.11.12.mm
 .dw.(1=2);2TT; mostly black jbsc;dark blue-green,sl.SmokyWT?5abb or 6abb;
 often w/wide hairy 4abb;marg cell apex separates from front vein;foothills

  O.integra,13-16mm,may-jul,on Penstemon,Thermopsis,Oxytropis lamberti,Astragalus
  O.cobaltina,8-10mm,may-jul,shiny blue-green,*on Penstemon
  O.coloradensis,9-10mm,jun,pale red-orange jbsc;om Helianthus,Aster,Senecio
  O.giliarum,9-11mm,jun-jul,~
  O.lignaria propinqua,9-12mm,apr-jun,*in Ponderosa foothills-alpine forest;
  O.cordata,9-11mm,apr-jun,*pale jbsc;on Penstemon,Rubis,Trifolium

Paranthidium sp.Cockerell 1901            .10.mm
 (1=2);T3T; black;pale yellow jbsc;anterior abb top cut/notched;resin bee
 abd apex curved down;high-pitched flight sound;perinotum spots;olig;

  P.jugatorium perspictum,8-9mm,jul-aug,5abb;white jbsc;on Helianthus

Stelis sp.Panzer 1806 .4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.mm
 .2c.(1=2)or(2,1);2TT or 2T3T; black w/yellow,ivory or red spots;SmokyW?;{black}
 0sc;white or yellow 4-5abb,some abb top-cut or top-notched or no abb;

  S.foederalis,7-8mm,h-thx black,;2TT;5abb,first top-cut;black tegulae
  S.pulchra,10mm,jun,blue abd w/4 yellowish abb,~on Astragalus
  S.melanotricha,7mm,
  S.subemarginate,8mm,jul,all black,sl.SmokyW;yellow 5abb;
  S.lateralis,5-6mm,may,all black,5 white abd side spots,on *Prunus,Rhus

  Apidae: Anthophorinae 

Anthophora sp.Latreille 1803 .9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16.mm
 (1=2=3)(1,2=3);Y;tsc;short marg cell;black;w/5abb or 0abb;yclyp;hairy h-thx
 {small};fm;males have double apex on T7;zooming & hovering flight;

  A.montana,13-14mm,may-aug,thx & T1 w/reddish hair,BLACK T2-T6,foothills
  A.bomboides neomexicana,12-13mm,may-jul;*on Iris,Polemonium,Oxytropis
  A.occidentalis,15-17mm,jul,abd w/grayish or reddish hair,*on Cleome,Carduus
  A.affabilis,17mm,jun,on Oenothera
  A.abrupta,11-14mm,jun-aug,black hairless apex T4T5T6T7;*on Vicia
  A.walshi,14-16mm,jul-aug, black w/white abb,on Cirsium,Helianthus

Centris sp. Fabricius
 (2,1=3)or(2,1,3);Yi;tsc;fm;

  Not expected in Colorado Springs

Diadasia sp.Patton 1879                   .7.8.9.10.11.12.mm
 (1=3,2);Yo;large scopa;hairy abd;wide band on T1;olig;5abb,1+4abb;Corbs!
 males w/double-apex at T7;

  D.enavata,10-11mm,jun-oct,olig ~on Helianthus,Coreopsis,Grindelia,Centaurea
  D.australis,10-12mm,jun-aug;narrow abb on T3T4;olig *on Opuntia,Cirsium
  D.diminuta,7-8mm,jun-aug,,olig ~on Sphaeralcea,Helianthus

Triepeolus sp.Holmberg 1886 .9.10.11.12.13.14.mm
 .3c.(1,3,2)or(1,2=3);Y;0sc;black,anterior white or yellow abb top-cut;{black}
 1+1+2abb;marg cell much longer than distance to wing tip;reddish eys?SmokyWT?

  T.pectoralis,10mm,aug-nov,SmokyWT;red legs;on Aster,Haplopappus,Rudbeckia,Solidago
  T.martini,12-13mm,aug,upper eye parts yellowish,~
  T.concava,16mm,jun-sep,black legs;~on Helianthus
  T.nevadensis,13-15mm,jun-sep,black legs;~on Cirsium,Helianthus,Monarda
  T.helianthi grandior,10-12mm,jul-aug,*on Grindelia,Helianthus, Echinacea,Salvia
  T.remigata,12-13mm,may-sep.SmokyWT;black legs;~on Helianthus,Ipomoea,Trifolium

Epeoloides sp.Giraud 1863                 .7.8.9.10.mm
 .3c.(1=3,2);Yo;0sc;shiny black;SmokyWT;{black}
 parasitic and reliant on Macropis;

  not expected in Colorado Springs

Epeolus sp.Latreille 1802                 .7.8.9.10.mm
 (1,3,2)(1,2=3);Yo;black;white/yellow dorsal bands top-cut/top-notched on T3T4;
 0sc;marg cell as long as its distance to wing tip;red spots on body/legs,

  E.compactus,8mm,

Habropoda (Emphoropsis) Ashmead sp.1899   .12.13.mm
 .3c.(1=2=3);all black,SmokyW;yclyp;2Yo;
 conic pointed apex;small stigma;

  H.cressoni,12mm,jun-aug;VERY black;2To;T5 w/white band,top-cut or no bands?
   ~on Ribes,Salvia,Stachys
  H.morrisoni,12mm,may,sl.SmokyWT;large orange 3tsc;2 hairy 3notal spots;
  H.vierecki

Holcopasites sp.Ashmead 1899              .4.5.6.mm
 (1,2);1T+2T+;black h-thx;red abd;white perinotal band;5abb top-cut;sl.SmokyWT
 0sc;2-3 white abd side spots/bands;12 ant segmnts in both sexes;

  H.heliopsis,5mm,jul-aug,side spots on T1T5, white side 3abb on T2T3T4
  H.pulchellus,4-6mm,jul,large white side spot on T1;white side 3abb on T2T3T4

Melecta sp.Latreille 1802                 .11.12.13.mm
 .3c.(1,3,2),(3,2,1),(3,1,2);Y;long thx hairs,{black}
 0sc;SmokyW;

  M.pacifica fulvida,L=13mm,may,*on Lesquerelia ludoviciana in the foothills
  M.thoracica

Melissodes sp.Latreille 1825 .8.9.10.11.12.13.14.15.mm
 .3c.ss.(3,1,2)(1=3,2)(1,2=3);black,w/black or reddish-brown long ant(m);{dark}
 fm;yclyp(m);?5abb;tsc;on Compositae:Helianthus etc.;in late summer (July-)

  M.bimaculata,10-12mm,jul-oct,*BLACK w/2 white abd spots;SmokyW,gray hindlegs;
  M.menuachus,11-13mm,jul-sep,abb top-cut on T4T5T6;long sc;*
  M.agilis,9-11mm,aug-sep,orange ant;poly;*on Helianthus,Carduus,Grindelia
  M.composita,9-11mm,aug,*on Lactuca
  M.coreopsis,9-11mm,jun-oct,abb top-cut on T4T5;Helianthus,Gaillardia,Rudbeckia
  M.tristis,9-12mm,jun-aug;black clyp;~on Opuntia,Iris,Polemonium,Crepis,Hibiscus

Neolarra sp.Ashmead 1890                  .3.4.5.mm
 .1c.2c.(1=2);small marginal cell;black h-thx;2TT;thin white ?3abb;
 0sc;parasitic, relies on Perdita and Nomadopsis prey

  N.coloradensis,3mm,1 cubital cell,.1c.,~
  N.verbesinae,6-7mm,aug-sep,black h-thx,orange abd,legs;
    ~on Helianthus, Verbesena

Nomada sp.Scopoli 1770 .5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.mm
 .3c.(1,2,3)or(1,2=3);Y;fm;black h-thx(some w/8 yellow perinotal spots);SmokyWT;
 0sc;reddish legs?red abd w/white or yellow abb,top-notched?;foothills;wasp-like

  N.vincta,9-12mm,aug-sep,8perinotal spots;*on Grindelia,Solidago,Rudbeckia
  N.zebrata,8mm,Jul-aug,*on Reynoutria,Helianthus
  N.articulata dacotana,8-10mm,jun-aug,red h-thx;*on Senecio,Brassica,Apocynum
  N.lepida,7-8mm,may,light red abd;side spots on T2T3;*on Potentilla,Salix,Prunus
  N.utahensis,8-10mm,may,w/6 yellow abb,*on Penstemon,Prunus
  N.denticulata,7-8mm,mar-may,h-thx w/o yellow;side spots on T2T3;on Prunus,Rubus

Peponapis sp.Robertson 1902               .11.12.13.14.mm; (m).10.11.12.13.mm
 .3c.(1=3,2);black;w/gray/brown hairy fm;black long ant (m);tsc;
 oligolectic on Cucurbitaceae;

  P.pruinosa,10-14mm,jun-sep,*on Cucurbita pepo (squash,pumpkin,zucchini)
   whitish abb;thx with reddish hair;collects pollen mornings

Svastra sp.Holmberg 1884                  .12.13.14.15.16.mm
 .3c.(3,1,2)(1=3,2);Yo;tsc;fm;long ant(m);hairy 3notum;yclyp;{black}
 large scopa brushes;

  S.atripes,15-16mm,jun-sep,SmokyW;*on Asclepias,Cleome,Gaillardia,Helianthus,
   Ipomoea, Melilotus,Thelesperma,Verbena
  S.compta,12-18mm,jun-aug,*on Oenothera,Monarda,Verbena,Taraxacum
  S.obliqua,14.5-16mm,aug,dark,yellow scopa,black ant;abb top-cut on T3T4;*on
   Carduus,Cirsium,Helianthus,Coreopsis,Echinacea,Erigeron,Gail lardia,Grindelia
  S.petulca,11-14mm,apr-sep,~on Coreopsis,Gaillardia,Helianthus,Monarda,Ratibi

Eucera (Synhalonia) sp.Patton 1879                 .13.14.15.16.mm
 .3c.ss.;Yo; 4abb; see Tetralonia;

  not expected in Colorado Springs

Eucera (Tetralonia) sp.Spinola 1838 .10.11.12.13.14.15.16.17.mm
 .3c.(3,1,2)or(1=3,2).ss.;Yo;hairy;black long antennae (m);1,4abb;yclyp;
 mostly in spring-early summer;

  T.speciosa,16-17mm,jun,~
  T.acerba,10mm,may-jun,shiny black abd w/only 1 white abb on T4
   and white side spot on T3;~on Erysium
  T.vagabunda,10mm,may,all black,vxing;~on Mertensia

Xenoglossa sp.Smith 1854 .12.13.14.15.16.17.18.mm
 .3c.(1=3,2);fm;black;w/yellow abd spots;central abb top-notched;{black};tsc;
 oligolectic on Cucurbitaceae;

  X.strenua,14-18mm,jun-aug,on Cucurbita
  X.angelica

Xenoglossodes Ashmead                     .8.9.10.mm
 .3c.(1=3,2);Yo;black,yclyp;{black}

  X.excurrens,on Petalostemon; not expected in Colorado Springs

Xeromelecta sp.Linsley 1939               .13.14.15.16.mm
 .3c.(1,3,2);black;3 yellowish ornamental "top-cut" dorsal bands;SmokyW;{black}
 0sc;

  X.californica,11mm,jun-jul,white abb top-cut;*on Sedum stenopetalum
   montane species

  Apidae: Xylocopinae   

Ceratina sp.Latreille 1802                .4.5.6.7.8.mm
 .3c.(1=3,2) or (1,3,2) or (1,2=3);tsc; blue-green;2T+;0abb;{black};mostly poly
  needs shrubs (Rhus etc.) for nesting in stalks.

  C.nanula,4.5-5.5mm,jun-aug,
   ~on Helianthus,Calochortus,Phacelia,Cirsium
  C.neomexicana,6-8mm,may-aug,all black-blue;white clypeus!;white spot below teg
   *on Helianthus,Phacelia,Rubus,Argemone,Calochortus,Senecio

Xylocopa sp. Latreille 1802               .20.21.22.23.24.mm
 .3c.(3,1,2) or (3,1=2);+;3Y;tsc; black or dark blue;noa;no corbicula;

  X.californica,17-26mm,May,~

  Apidae: Apinae 

Apis sp.Linnaeus 1758                     .11.12.13.14.15.mm
 .3c.so.(2=3,1) or (1,2,3);tsc;

  Apis mellifera,*;worker,12mm;male drone,13-16mm;abundant;

Bombus sp.Latreille 1802 .9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16.17.18.mm
 .3c.(1=2=3)or(2=3,1);Y;.so.noa;SmokyW;tsc;before mid-July mostly queens;
 poly;most have black band betw wings;some have "red-saddle"(pyro).

  B.huntii,.ss.Q.17-18;w.11-13mm,jun-oct;Pyrobombus;yellow hair on head;*
  B.nevadensis auricomus,Q.18-22;13-17,w.14-18mm,jun-aug;black head;*
  B.rufocinctus,.dw.Q.18,m.16.5,w.12mm,jul-sep;Pyro;black head;*
  B.pennsylvanicus,Q.21-24,m.14-18,w.17mm,aug-nov,BIG;black-ye llow.bz.*
  B.fervidus,.ss.Q.19-21,m.11-20,w.10-15mm,may-aug;black band betw wings;*
  B.morrisoni,Q.27mm,m.17.5mm,w.17mm;may;no black band betw wings;*black-yellow

Psithyrus sp.Lepeletier 1832 .13.14.15.16.17.18.mm
 .3c.(1=2=3)(2=3,1); bombus-like except for coarser abd hair;noa;SmokyW;

  P.insularis,16-18mm,months?hairy thx; yellow-black band between wings,
   foothills-alpine;shiny black abd; ~on Lupinus,Astragalus,Iris missourensis





 

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