What is globe mallow bee?

The globe mallow bee (Diadasia sp.) is a solitary bee found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a specialist pollinator of globe mallow (Sphaeralcea spp.), a group of flowering plants commonly found in arid regions. The female bee collects pollen from the flowers and uses it to provision her nest for her larvae. The globe mallow bee has been found to be an important pollinator for several crops, including alfalfa, a major crop in the western United States. It has a distinctive appearance, with a stout body and long, dense hairs on the legs and head. Some species of globe mallow bee are at risk due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures.