About Melissodes desponsus Smith, 1854
Melissodes desponsus Smith, 1854 is a species of solitary ground-nesting bee. Members of this species have pale yellow thoraxes and black abdomens. Females measure 12 to 13.5 mm in length, and have distinctive orange scopae on their hind legs, though these scopae are often covered in white Cirsium pollen. Males measure 11 to 13.5 mm in length, and have longer antennae and yellow clypei. This bee occurs across the northeastern quadrant of the United States, and its range extends into southern Canada. Cirsium thistles serve as host plants for Melissodes desponsus.
