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

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

From Seattle Times • Mar. 7, 2023

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

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

Another species of solitary bee, whose larva is carnivorous, resorts to a still more wonderful, but, it must be confessed, very cruel, expedient to supply the worm-like progeny with food.

From The Catholic World; Volume I, Issues 1-6 A Monthly Eclectic Magazine by Rameur, E.