Anthidium

Anthidium manicatum was not observed in the Bee Atlas blocks, but may be seen in other nesting blocks. 

Taxonomy:
Anthidium manicatum, commonly known as the European wool carder bee, belongs to the genus Anthidium, within the family Megachilidae. A. manicatum is native to Europe, and has been spreading in North America since its introduction in the mid 20th century. It was first detected in Minnesota in 2008. This species is rather aggressive and territorial and may chase away other native bee species.

Description:
Anthidium manicatum is a medium sized bee ranging on average from 11-17mm. This species exhibits distinctive characteristics, including its stocky and rather robust build, numerous yellow markings, and notable behavior of collecting fuzz from plants for nest construction (this is where it gets its common name). A. manicatum bees are recognizable by their black bodies distinctive wasp-like yellow markings, and yellow-grey hairs. Male bees have black heads and thoraxes with short yellowish-brown hairs, along with yellow patches on various parts of their faces. Their wings are dusky, and their abdomens have bands of brown hairs at the end of each segment. Female bees are smaller with similar color patterns. Their legs have soft white hairs on the front parts of the leg segments.

Nest Structure:
Anthidium manicatum is known for its unique nesting habits. Unlike many other bees found in the MN Bee Atlas bee blocks that create nests out of mud or chewed leaves, A. manicatum females construct nests in pre-existing cavities and line them with fuzz gathered from plant leaves. Like other bees, they provision these nests with pollen and nectar for developing larvae.