Cellophane bees, also called polyester bees, are solitary native bees in the genus Colletes. They are named for their remarkable nest-building behavior: females secrete a polyester-like substance from a gland near their abdomen and apply it to the walls of their underground nest cells, creating a transparent, waterproof, cellophane-like lining that protects the pollen-nectar provisions and egg from moisture and fungal growth. This is one of the most sophisticated nest-construction behaviors among solitary bees. Several species occur in Arizona, where they nest in aggregations in bare or sandy soil. Many Colletes species are oligolectic specialists on particular plant families — some are specialists on Asteraceae (sunflowers and daisies), others on Cucurbitaceae (squash family). Cellophane bees are completely docile; females rarely sting and males are harmless. They are important native pollinators and are of significant interest to researchers studying the evolution of bee nest construction.
👁Warning Signs
Small ground nest entrances in bare or sandy soil, often in aggregations. Medium-sized, fuzzy bees with pale hair bands visiting flowers. Bees entering and exiting ground burrows.
⚠Health & Property Risks
Essentially zero sting risk. No structural damage. Entirely beneficial.
Prevention Tips
No prevention needed. Entirely beneficial.
🛡Professional Treatment
No treatment warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cellophane Bee
The Cellophane Bee (Colletes spp.) is black with pale (white or yellow) hair bands on abdomen and typically measures ⅓–½ inch. Cellophane bees, also called polyester bees, are solitary native bees in the genus Colletes. They are named for their remarkable nest-building behavior: females secrete a polyester-like substance from.
The Cellophane Bee is generally low-risk, but caution is still advised. Essentially zero sting risk. No structural damage. Entirely beneficial.
In Arizona, cellophane bees are most often encountered in the following situations: Small ground nest entrances in bare or sandy soil, often in aggregations. Medium-sized, fuzzy bees with pale hair bands visiting flowers. Bees entering and exiting ground burrows.
The Cellophane Bee is most active during: Spring through fall; varies by species and host plant bloom time. Arizona's warm desert climate can extend activity periods compared to other states, so year-round vigilance is recommended in the Phoenix metro and surrounding areas.
No prevention needed. Entirely beneficial.
No treatment warranted.
If you are seeing cellophane bees repeatedly, finding evidence of an established population, or if DIY treatments have not resolved the issue within a week or two, it is time to call a professional. Pest Control Bros offers free inspections and same-week service across the Phoenix metro area — no contracts required.
Dealing with Cellophane Bee?
Pest Control Bros LLC serves Maricopa, Chandler, Casa Grande, Tempe, Gilbert, and Mesa. No contracts. Free inspections. Same-week service.
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