Sweat Bee (covered in pollen)

Natural Habitat

Gardens, meadows, and open fields with abundant flowering plants; nests are typically burrows in the ground.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on nectar and collect pollen to feed their larvae. They are generalist foragers.

Behavior Patterns

Solitary to communal ground-nesters. They are active during the day and are known for being attracted to human sweat for the salt content. This specimen is heavily coated in yellow pollen from foraging.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits: Exceptionally important native pollinators for many crops and wildflowers. Risks: Minor; they can sting if squeezed or threatened, but are generally non-aggressive and the sting is considered very mild.

Identified on: 4/24/2026