identify a bee? - Ask Extension
I found this guy in my garden. It is pretty small - less than half the length of a European honey bee. It looks like a bumble bee to me but has wasp-l...
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identify a bee? #836573
Asked June 20, 2023, 10:04 AM EDT
I found this guy in my garden. It is pretty small - less than half the length of a European honey bee. It looks like a bumble bee to me but has wasp-like markings. I have been trying to ID it online but can't find anything that resembles it. I have a lot of bees in my garden but I have never seen this one before. Any ideas?
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Jane,
That looks like it might be a European Wool Carder bee or Anthidium manicatum.
It sounds like you have a great garden for bees.
That looks like it might be a European Wool Carder bee or Anthidium manicatum.
It sounds like you have a great garden for bees.
Thank you, yes, that looks like a wool carder bee. I subsequently read about them, and understand that they are invasive and possibly detrimental to our native bees and honey bees. I do not grow lambs ear, but I do grow some salvias, including culinary sage and hot lips (although that is proving to be unsuccessful where I live in the south Salem hills). Is there anything I should do (or not do) to not encourage these guys? I really enjoy my native bees.
J Sommers
------- Original Message -------
On Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 at 8:06 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
On Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 at 8:06 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hi Jane,
At this point in time the European wool carder bee or Anthidium manicatum is not considered a problem in western Oregon. I found this interesting publication from the state of Oregon on "Forest Bees" which I think you will also find interesting. These bees have the potential to become a problem, but are not a serious issue now. Continue enjoying your garden, the native bees, and the wool carder bees.
At this point in time the European wool carder bee or Anthidium manicatum is not considered a problem in western Oregon. I found this interesting publication from the state of Oregon on "Forest Bees" which I think you will also find interesting. These bees have the potential to become a problem, but are not a serious issue now. Continue enjoying your garden, the native bees, and the wool carder bees.
Thank you!
J Sommers
------- Original Message -------
On Wednesday, June 21st, 2023 at 9:29 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
On Wednesday, June 21st, 2023 at 9:29 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: