Fauna
Insect

Hawaiian Yellow-faced Bee

Hylaeus anthracinus

Also known as Anthricinan Yellow-faced Bee

Hawaiian yellow-faced bees are solitary coastal pollinators uniquely adapted to Hawaii native shoreline vegetation. Females lack pollen baskets on their legs, carrying pollen and nectar inside a specialized crop before regurgitating it into nests lined with a waterproof, cellophane-like secretion. Today, loss of coastal habitat and pressure from invasive insects threaten these vital endemic pollinators.

EndemicPollinatorSolitary
Hawaiian Yellow-faced Bee reference
Kevin Faccenda / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Critically EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXCritically EndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyNectar, Pollen
Predators
  • Invasive ants
  • Non-native yellowjackets
  • Spiders
ThreatsHabitat loss, invasive ants, introduced honeybees, and storm surges
HabitatsCoastal strand, rocky shorelines, and low-elevation dry shrublands
Life span1–2 months as adult
Classification
  1. FamilyColletidae
  2. SpeciesHylaeus anthracinus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Females possess a small stinger; observe resting bees from a respectful distance.
What to notice
Look for a tiny, slender black body 5 to 8 millimeters long featuring distinct yellow facial markings on males and small yellow eye spots on females.
Support conservation
Observe quietly from marked trails, refrain from touching beach vegetation, and never attempt to capture or handle individuals.
Responsible observation
  • Habitat Respect: Stay on established coastal trails to avoid stepping on underground or rock-crevice nests.
  • Plant Choice: Look for foraging adults visiting native plants such as naupaka along sunny shorelines.
  • Gentle Observation: Avoid sudden movements or swatting, as these tiny pollinators are skittish and harmless if undisturbed.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…