Perdita is a large genus of small bees native to North America, particularly diverse in the desert regions of the United States and Mexico. There are over 600 currently recognized species of Perdita, plus more than 100 additional subspecies and many more species that remain undescribed. [1]

Perdita minima are slightly less than two millimeters long! As a solitary bee, it constructs a diminutive nest in sandy desert soils. Entomologists and naturalists who seek out this tiny pollinator typically look for its passing shadow across the ground rather than the bee itself.

Commonly known as fairy or miner bees, Perdita are small to very small bees that tend to be black, or metallic blue or brassy green, often with pale markings on their faces, bodies and legs. In some Perdita species, the pale markings are so expanded that …

Perdita are some of the smallest bees in North America. They usually have yellow markings on their face and bodies. They are found mostly in coastal plain areas where they build nests in sandy, well-drained soil. In Florida, sand dunes are a favorite nesting site for Perdita.

Sep 21, 2022 · From the Latin perdita, "lost one" (feminine of perditus). One of the most speciose bee genera. There are 17 subgenera (2), 629 described spp. and 125 subspecies, some of which deserve to be elevated to species; numerous species remain undescribed. (3) Scape long compared to rest of antennae.

Perdita is a large genus of bees native to North America, particularly diverse in the desert regions of the United States and Mexico. There are over 600 recognized species and subspecies of Perdita, plus many more as yet unnamed.

Sandbar Willow Fairy Bee (Perdita maculigera) This uncommon, midwestern species was recently found along Lake Champlain, representing the first New England record. Likely associated with Sandbar Willow (Salix interior), which blooms much later than other Vermont willows.

Bees in this genus are affectionately known as “fairy bees” and they are most diverse in the desert southwest, with only a handful of species found in the northeast. Because of their tiny size, tight association with sand, and often strict host plant requirements, Perdita are rarely stumbled upon.

Perdita gerhardi is a specialist on Monarda punctata, commonly known as Spotted Beebalm. Small; females ~5mm, males ~4.5mm; two different forms exist – one is typical of other dark …

Andrenidae: Perdita krombeini Timberlake. County Records: Lee. Locations: Olga, on sand flats. Dates: March 30. Plant: Notes: only 1 male collected, no other specimens seen. Related to P. sphaeralceai, P. calloleuca, P. tarda, and P. sidae of the Southwestern United States. Very rare?