Photo: Dick Belgers / CC BY 3.0

Hylaeus annularis

Annular Yellow-face Bee

A small yellow-face bee (6–7 mm) with a black body and white facial markings. Males have a large white face mask, while females have two small white spots. It can be distinguished from similar Hylaeus species by the white markings on the pronotal lobes and the detailed shape of the male facial mask. It nests in hollow stems, beetle burrows in dead wood, and artificial cavities, lining cells with a cellophane-like secretion. It is a generalist forager visiting a wide range of wildflowers from several families. In Switzerland it is widespread from lowlands to montane elevations in dry meadows, vineyards, gardens, and ruderal areas, flying from May to August. Swiss Red List: Least Concern (LC).