solitary bee

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of solitary bee

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

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 • Nov. 22, 2021

“They are really incredible for our environment and our habitat so people who rent them usually have orchards or gardens or want to help the solitary bee population,” she said.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2021

Jan. 26 Rath and composer Hoehn lead a garden walk-through of the solitary bee hotels and and other outdoor works, along with a tour of the gallery, from 1 to 3 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2020

Unlike wasps, bumblebees or solitary bee species, honeybees live in large hives—and these massive, malleable complexes can buffer them against stressors, Berenbaum says.

From Scientific American • May 24, 2019

As we approached White Ladies, a solitary bee sang by us and startled me.

From The Brother of Daphne by Yates, Dornford