Photo by Jerry A. Payne, USDA,
Bugwood.org.
The southeastern blueberry bee (Habropoda laboriosa) is a solitary, ground-nesting bee (family Anthophoridae) that has proven to be an especially effective pollinator of both highbush and rabbiteye blueberries (Cane and Payne 1988). It is a native species whose range extends along the eastern seaboard from southern Pennsylvania to northern Florida. There is only one generation per year. Populations are most active near the peak of highbush bloom and forage for only a few weeks in the spring. Little is known about the nesting habits of these bees, but care should be taken to preserve wild habitat around the edges of commercial blueberry fields.
Reference:
Pollination. North Carolina State University Integrated Pest Management website.
Contacts:
Natalie Hummel, LSU AgCenter
Krisanna Machtmes, LSU AgCenter