American black bee in my garden

[hoodat]

I was amazed this morning to see an American black bee working my squash blossoms. So far I've only seen one but it's encouraging. There must be a hive nearby. It's the first American black I've seen in years and, typically, it was spending more time sitting around and grooming itself than working. Sure hope they thrive.

 

[vfem]

I am not sure what an American Black Bee is, or what it looks like? Any more information available to share?!

 

[hoodat]

The Amrican black is the native American bee that has been largely replaced by the Italians, even in wild hives. They are kind of lazy as bees go. Where an Italian bee has yellow they are kind of a smoky gray. They have become increasingly rare.