solitary bee

noun

1. any of numerous bees, as the leaf-cutting bees, that do not live in a community.

Word History and Origins

Origin of solitary bee¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

"You really want to be covering honeybees in good depth because they're quite easy to work with, bumblebees in good depth because they're quite easy to work with in Europe and America. And then some work, at least some work, on a few different species of solitary bee. So you need those broad categories there."

From Salon

This unassuming, solitary bee has not gotten the recognition it deserves.

From Seattle Times

Now, a study by Stuligross and colleagues tallying the detrimental impacts of a key pesticide on reproduction of a solitary bee species adds to growing evidence that such insects, which make up the vast majority of bees species, are vulnerable to the compounds just like their more social counterparts.

From Science Magazine

Other solitary bee species do this as well, which is why they’re also called mason bees.

From Science Magazine

Although solitary bee species have not been commercialized as much as honey bees, they provide essential—and free—pollination for many farmers.

From Science Magazine