Imagine a bee that can disguise itself almost perfectly in its environment. Meet the masked bee, a unique and intriguing pollinator with a secretive lifestyle. These bees are named for the distinctive yellow or white facial markings that look like a mask. Unlike the more familiar honeybees or bumblebees, masked bees are solitary and do not live in colonies. They can be found across various regions in North America, thriving in diverse habitats from forests to urban gardens.

Masked bees are fascinating not only because of their appearance but also due to their nesting habits. They prefer to nest in tiny cavities like hollow stems or even in the old tunnels made by other insects. These bees are crucial for the pollination of many wildflowers and some crops, playing a silent but vital role in maintaining the health of ecosystems.