New Bee Discovered In Oklahoma

WEATHERFORD, Okla. (AP) – A Southwestern Oklahoma State University assistant professor and researcher has discovered a new species of bee in Oklahoma.

Victor Gonzalez Betancourt discovered the bee in Ellis and Blaine counties. It has been named after bee biologist Charles Duncan Michener and his wife Mary from the University of Kansas (the Anthidiummichenerorum)

The newly discovered bee doesn’t live in colonies and it does not produce honey. Michener says it helps pollinate both wild and cultivated plants.

The bee belongs to a group of solitary bees commonly known as "wool carder bees" because their cotton-like brood cells are made of plant hairs.