Hylaeus sp., Solitary Bee

Common Name: Yellow-faced Bee

Hylaeus are a genus of small dark, solitary bees. Many of this group of bees have a large yellow patch on the face and so are often called yellow-faced bees. The adults are small, dark and mainly hairless. The males have a conspicuously pale yellow face with long hairs and yellow bands on the legs. The female have less yellow on the face and legs, but have bands of silvery hairs on the abdomen. Firm identification needs expert knowledge and close examination.

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.