Table of contents
Introduction
The Early Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa) is one of the first solitary bees to appear in the UK each year, often emerging in early spring when few other bees are active. Its early arrival makes it an important pollinator at a time when flowering plants are just beginning to bloom.
This species is commonly seen in gardens, parks, woodland edges, and hedgerows, particularly where bare soil and early flowers are available. Unlike social bumblebees, the Early Mining Bee lives a solitary life, with each female creating and provisioning her own nest.
Because it relies on early-flowering plants and undisturbed ground, the Early Mining Bee is sensitive to habitat loss, soil disturbance, and pesticide use. In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify Andrena haemorrhoa, recognise similar species, and understand why early-season solitary bees are so valuable to UK ecosystems.
Identification & Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Early Mining Bee |
| Latin Name | Andrena haemorrhoa |
| Size | Females: ~11–13 mm, Males: ~9–11 mm |
| Location | Widespread across the UK |
| Active Months | March to May |
| Habitat | Gardens, parks, woodland edges, hedgerows |
| Nesting Behaviour | Underground nests in bare or lightly vegetated soil |
| Social Behaviour | Solitary |
| Flora | Willow, fruit tree blossom, dandelion, early wildflowers |
| UK Status | Common |
How to Identify the Early Mining Bee
The Early Mining Bee is a small to medium-sized solitary bee with a compact, slightly fuzzy appearance. Females are particularly distinctive due to the rich reddish-brown colouring on the abdomen, which contrasts with the darker thorax.
In the UK, this species is most often seen flying low over lawns, flowerbeds, or bare soil in early spring. It may be mistaken for a small bumblebee at a glance, but closer inspection reveals its slimmer build and solitary behaviour.
Physical Characteristics
- Female – Slightly larger, with a dark thorax and a noticeably reddish-brown abdomen.
- Male – Smaller and slimmer, usually darker overall with longer antennae and less obvious red colouring.
Similar Species
The Early Mining Bee can be confused with other early-flying solitary bees:
- Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva) – Much brighter orange-red overall, especially on the thorax.
- Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria) – Grey and black with pale hair bands rather than red colouring.
- Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum) – Larger, fuzzier, and social, with yellow and orange banding.
If you’re unsure which bee you’ve spotted, our Bee Identification guide can help you narrow down UK species by size, colour, and behaviour.
Why the Early Mining Bee Matters
The Early Mining Bee plays a crucial role in pollinating early-flowering plants, including fruit trees and spring wildflowers. By being active so early in the year, it fills an important gap before many other pollinators emerge.
This early-season activity helps support plant reproduction and provides resilience in ecosystems that rely on a steady succession of pollinators throughout the year.
FAQs
No. This species is very gentle and focused on nesting and foraging. It is extremely unlikely to sting unless handled.
It is active mainly from March to May, making it one of the earliest bees seen in the UK.
No. It is a common and widespread species, particularly in gardens and urban green spaces.
Females can sting, but stings are rare and usually only occur if the bee is trapped or handled.
How You Can Help
Supporting the Early Mining Bee is straightforward and garden-friendly:
🌿 Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers
- Willow, crocus, fruit tree blossom, dandelion, early bulbs
🚫 Avoid Harmful Pesticides
- Avoid using insecticides, especially in early spring when bees first emerge
🏡 Provide Nesting Spaces
- Leave small areas of bare or lightly vegetated soil for nesting
By allowing early flowers to bloom and leaving patches of undisturbed ground, you can make a big difference for the Early Mining Bee and other solitary species.
