totally black bees collecting pollen in sweet corn

[Joe Guirreri]

Have others also seen totally black bees collecting corn pollen? Are these common or not? Do they produce the same type and quality of honey?

[Bret Fisher]

20 hours ago, Joe Guirreri said:

Have others also seen totally black bees collecting corn pollen? Are these common or not? Do they produce the same type and quality of honey?

@Joe Guirreri If the bees you are seeing are somewhat large with a shiny abdomen, you may be seeing female carpenter bees collecting pollen from corn. Corn is typically pollinated by the wind, and produces no nectar that honey bees would collect, but a few might visit corn for the pollen. Also, if these are carpenter bees you are seeing, they only consume nectar - they do not produce honey. The pollen they collect is used to feed their young. 

If you could provide a close up photo or two that might help us confirm what kind of bees you are seeing. 

More information at these links and the one at the bottom of this post:

https://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/Carpenter_Bee_Identification_Signs.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpenter_bee

https://leehoneybee.com/q-what-types-of-bees-do-you-relocate/

 

[Joe Guirreri]

I can't get any images to load here. The circle keeps spinning but I have posted pictures on Facebook at Joseph A Guirreri.

https://www.facebook.com/joseph.a.guirreri

The black bees are just a little bigger than our honey bees but have none of the coloring of most of the carpenters. Not sure if the large black bee that you provided was intended to be too scale. Thank you, Joe

[Guest Bobo62]

Hi Joe

The black bees are collecting my sweet corn pollen also.

I was wondering? Did your corn make alright?

There's allot of bees in my corn.

Thanks

Robert

[Joe Guirreri]

Robert, Yes, no problem with the corn. It ripened normally, not perfect, but normal for our garden. We have had black bees in the garden multiple years, presumably wild bees. We also have had our bees heavily in our corn one year. It seemed to be a particular variety one year. We did not record exactly which variety it was. Neat to walk in the corn with bees all around. I understand that it does not make the best honey but we did not put up any signs that said "Keep out".....  Have a great summer, Joe and Chery, Old Apple Valley Farms, LLC

[Frank]

Joe - we have had the discussion on "Black Bees" for several years without any real resolution if they are a different breed or hybrid.  Where do you live?  I do bee lining and it might be interesting to try and lure several of the black bees to a bait station and then track them home to find their natural colony.

[Joe Guirreri]

Frank - I have reviewed my pictures and don't have any really good pictures. We also have not seen any recently. I will reconnect if I see them, get some pictures, and verify they are not immature carpenter bees (mentioned on the blog). To bee continued at a later time. Thank you. Joe (near Round Hill)