What is crystalline bee?

Crystalline bees, also known as glasswinged bees, are a type of solitary bee native to Central and South America. They are named for their transparent wings, which are almost entirely glass-like in appearance due to the absence of pigments in the wing membranes.

Crystalline bees are not social insects and do not live in hives or colonies. Instead, they live individually in narrow crevices or holes in trees or other natural spaces. They are active during the day and primarily feed on nectar and pollen from a variety of flowering plants.

The glass-like wings of crystalline bees serve as a type of camouflage, allowing them to blend into their surroundings and avoid detection from predators. The wings also allow for increased efficiency in flight, as they are lighter and more aerodynamic than pigmented wings.

Crystalline bees are not considered endangered, but the destruction of their natural habitats due to deforestation and other human activities may pose a threat to their populations in the future.