Table of contents
Introduction
The Cliff Mining Bee (Andrena thoracica) is a large, early-flying solitary bee that stands out for its size and powerful build. Active mainly in spring, it is one of the UK’s more imposing mining bees and is often noticed when females emerge from nesting sites in large vertical banks.
This species is most commonly associated with cliffs, steep earth banks, quarries, and cuttings, though it can also appear near gardens and woodland edges close to suitable nesting sites. Its preference for exposed, sunny banks makes it particularly visible during warm spring days.
While still present across parts of its range, the Cliff Mining Bee is vulnerable to habitat loss, bank stabilisation, and disturbance of nesting sites. In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify Andrena thoracica, distinguish it from similar large mining bees, and understand why retaining natural earth banks is so important.
Identification & Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Cliff Mining Bee |
| Latin Name | Andrena thoracica |
| Size | Females: ~14–16 mm, Males: ~11–13 mm |
| Location | Southern and central UK (localised) |
| Active Months | March to May |
| Habitat | Cliffs, earth banks, quarries, woodland edges |
| Nesting Behaviour | Ground-nesting in vertical or steep earth banks |
| Social Behaviour | Solitary (often nesting in aggregations) |
| Flora | Willow, fruit blossom, hawthorn, spring flowers |
| UK Status | Locally common |
How to Identify the Cliff Mining Bee
The Cliff Mining Bee is a large, robust mining bee with a dark body and dense hair on the thorax, giving it a slightly bumblebee-like appearance at a glance. Females are particularly striking due to their size and strength.
In the UK, it is most often seen flying close to vertical earth faces or visiting early spring flowers nearby. Watching for large bees repeatedly entering holes in steep banks is a strong identification clue.
Physical Characteristics
- Female – Very large and powerful, with a dark abdomen and thick thoracic hair; often appears bulkier than other mining bees.
- Male – Smaller and slimmer, with longer antennae and lighter facial hair.
Similar Species
The Cliff Mining Bee can be confused with other large spring-flying bees:
- Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva) – Much brighter orange-red overall, especially on the thorax.
- Early Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa) – Smaller, with a reddish abdomen rather than a dark one.
- Hairy-footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes) – Faster, darting flight and often seen hovering rather than entering soil nests.
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 Cliff Mining Bee Matters
The Cliff Mining Bee is an important early-season pollinator of trees and shrubs such as willow and fruit blossom. Its activity helps support pollination at a time of year when few other insects are active.
By nesting in vertical banks, this species also highlights the ecological value of exposed soil faces, which support a wide range of bees, wasps, and other invertebrates.
FAQs
No. Despite its size, this species is calm and focused on nesting and foraging. It is very unlikely to sting.
It is mainly active in early spring, typically from March to May.
It is locally common where suitable nesting banks exist but absent from many areas.
Females can sting, but stings are rare and usually only occur if the bee is handled.
How You Can Help
Supporting the Cliff Mining Bee focuses on protecting nesting sites:
🌿 Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers
- Willow, fruit trees, hawthorn, spring wildflowers
🚫 Avoid Harmful Pesticides
- Avoid pesticide use in early spring when bees are emerging
🏡 Provide Nesting Spaces
- Leave exposed earth banks and avoid stabilising or covering bare soil faces
By retaining natural banks and early-flowering plants, you help support the Cliff Mining Bee and other early-season pollinators.
