Knowledgebase

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.
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:

The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2023, 9:06 AM EDT
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.
Thank you!

J Sommers

------- Original Message -------
On Wednesday, June 21st, 2023 at 9:29 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 9:01 AM EDT

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