Coelioxys

Genus Coelioxys (Megachilini)

If you think you have found an example of our native Anthidium tenuiflorae, look closely at the thorax. If you see two sharp teeth pointing backwards over the wings, your find is actually a kleptoparasitic bee, Coelioxys, which is disguised to mimic its Anthidium hosts.

Observe the short but dense hair on the head and thorax. While this bee is a pollen thief, it is also a pollinator in its own right when it nectars on the same composite flowers preferred by Anthidium, such as Pacific Gumweed and Oregon Sunshine.