Photo By Judy Gallagher , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Southeastern blueberry bee
Habropoda laboriosa
A species of Mountain-digger bees, Also known as Southern blueberry bee, Blueberry habropoda
Habropoda laboriosa, the southeastern blueberry bee, is a bee in the family Apidae. It is native to the southeastern United States. It is regarded as the most efficient pollinator of southern rabbiteye blueberries, as the flowers require buzz pollination, and H. laboriosa is one of the few bees that exhibit this behavior. It is active for only a few weeks a year, while the blueberries are in flower in early spring.
Toxic to Animals
General Info About Southeastern blueberry bee
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Attributes of Southeastern blueberry bee
Biting/stinging
The Southeastern blueberry bee may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Southeastern blueberry bee has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Southeastern blueberry bee can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Southeastern blueberry bee is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Southeastern blueberry bee feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
AI entomologist in your pocket, scan QR code to download
Life Cycle of Southeastern blueberry bee
Egg Newly laid eggs of southeastern blueberry bee are often oval and diminutive. At this stage, there is no movement, and the embryo develops inside, depending on the yolk sac for nutrition.
Larva The larva of southeastern blueberry bee is worm-like, lacks true legs, and has a voracious appetite. Its primary function is to consume and grow, molting several times as it increases in size.
Pupal The pupa of southeastern blueberry bee represents a transitional stage encased within a cocoon. Here, tissues and organs undergo significant transformation, reshaping into the adult form, but the southeastern blueberry bee remains immobile.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult southeastern blueberry bee's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Predators of Southeastern blueberry bee Larvae
Ants, wasps, birds, spiders
Predators of Adult Southeastern blueberry bee
Birds, dragonflies, mantises, spiders
Interesting Facts About Southeastern blueberry bee
Southeastern blueberry bee create nests in the soil with a sophisticated architecture, including a wax-lined incubation cell for their offspring.
Scientific Classification of Southeastern blueberry bee
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
How Can You Attract Southeastern blueberry bee
For southeastern blueberry bee, suitable bait or trap food would be sweet substances like sugar water, honey solutions, or artificial nectar, as well as attractive scents such as pheromones or floral fragrances.
Habitat Preferences of Southeastern blueberry bee Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of southeastern blueberry bee are laid within individual cells in underground nests where the larvae develop, feeding on the pollen and nectar provided by the mother. Pupation also occurs in these secluded nest cells. Adult southeastern blueberry bee mainly forage in open woodlands and meadows with abundant flowering plants for nectar and pollen, often spotted near plants like rhododendron, azalea, and abelia. To observe the stages of southeastern blueberry bee, one would inspect suitable soil types for nest entrances at ground level for larvae and pupae, and explore appropriate floral-rich areas during daylight hours for adults.
When is the Best Time to Observe Southeastern blueberry bee
The best time to find adult southeastern blueberry bee is often during warmer months when flowers are in bloom, typically during daylight hours when they are most active.
What is the Best Weather to Observe Southeastern blueberry bee
Sunny and calm weather with mild temperatures is ideal for finding adult southeastern blueberry bee, as rainy, windy, or cold conditions can reduce their activity.
How and Where Can You Find Southeastern blueberry bee at Different Life Stages
Larva Southeastern blueberry bee larvae are usually found in the brood comb within the nest. To locate them, one must carefully open the hive or nest structure and look for the wax cells where larvae are being reared by adult workers.
Pupal Southeastern blueberry bee pupae remain inside their wax cells in the brood area of the hive. To find them, check the capped cells in the hive where pupation occurs; this will require a careful examination to avoid disturbing the entire colony.
Adult Southeastern blueberry bee adults can be found foraging on flowers, collecting nectar and pollen. Look for southeastern blueberry bee on flowering plants during the day, especially in areas with abundant floral resources.
Are Southeastern blueberry bee harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Are Southeastern blueberry bee harmful to humans?
Most bees are docile and only sting when they are irritated. The sting needles of bees are sharp and toxic, and people will obviously feel pain after being stung. Some bees may also cause swelling, redness, fever and itching. Some sensitive people may experience more severe symptoms or even death.
Harmful Effects of Southeastern blueberry bee
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Southeastern blueberry bee utilizes its sting primarily as a defense mechanism or to immobilize prey. The sting delivers a toxin of mild intensity, which can lead to localized pain and discomfort, primarily in humans and domestic animals such as cats and dogs. Smaller creatures, particularly various insects, may experience more severe reactions due to their size and physiology, serving as potential prey for southeastern blueberry bee. The adult stage of southeastern blueberry bee is when the creature is capable of administering its venom through a sting.
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Collect Pollen To Feed Offspring
Southeastern blueberry bee is a vital pollinator for blueberry crops. Attracted by the color and scent of blueberry flowers, it collects pollen to feed its offspring. This bee's body is specially adapted to shake pollen loose from the flowers, a process known as buzz pollination, which is essential for fertilizing these plants.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!