Common Yellow-faced Bee
Hylaeus communis
The Common Yellow-faced Bee is a small, largely hairless wild bee from the Colletidae family. It is characterized by a black, shiny body and distinctive yellow facial markings, which form an almost complete mask in males. This species is highly adaptable and inhabits a wide range of habitats, from forest edges to urban environments.
Details
Identification
Body black and nearly hairless; white to yellow markings on the face; females with two yellow vertical spots; males with an almost entirely yellow face; no pollen-collecting hairs on legs (pollen is transported in the crop).
Social behavior
Solitary species; each female builds and provisions her own nest without help from conspecifics.
Diet
Polylectic; collects pollen and nectar from a wide variety of plant families (over 15 families known), especially Resedaceae, Asteraceae, and Rosaceae.
Spawning substrate
Existing cavities such as beetle boreholes in dead wood, pithy stems (e.g., blackberry), or crevices in walls.
Overwintering
Overwintering as a resting larva (prepupa) within the protective nest.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important pollinator for a variety of wild and cultivated plants in various ecosystems.
Natural predators
Cuckoo bees (e.g., Gasteruption species), ichneumon wasps, birds, spiders.
Competitor species
Other Hylaeus species or small solitary bees with similar nesting and foraging requirements.
Ecosystem service
Pollination services in gardens, parks, and agricultural areas.
Threats
Loss of nesting opportunities due to overly intensive maintenance of gardens and landscapes (removal of dead wood and stems).
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Lack of external pollen-collecting structures (pollen is transported in the crop); short, broadened, and bifid tongue (typical for Colletidae); shiny, punctured abdomen; characteristic facial markings of the genus Hylaeus.
Habitat
Highly euryoecious; inhabits various habitats such as forest edges, hedges, gardens, parks, vineyards, and ruderal sites in urban areas.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Currently not threatened; potential local impact due to loss of nesting opportunities (e.g., through intensive hedge trimming and removal of dead wood).
Population trend
Stable; one of the most common and widespread mask bee species in Central Europe.
Conservation measures
Maintenance of margin structures and dead wood; promotion of native flowering plants in gardens; provision of nesting aids (drill holes 2-4 mm).