Introduction
The Orange-legged Furrow Bee (Halictus rubicundus) is a small but noticeable solitary bee, best recognised by the warm orange colouring on its legs and its habit of nesting in sunny, open ground. It is active for much of the year and is often seen in spring and summer in gardens, parks, and coastal areas.
This species is highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from lawns and footpaths to heathland, dunes, and grassland. It is one of the few UK bees that shows flexible behaviour, with populations ranging from fully solitary to weakly social depending on conditions.
Although generally common, the Orange-legged Furrow Bee is still affected by habitat disturbance, soil compaction, and pesticide use. In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify Halictus rubicundus, tell it apart from similar small bees, and understand why leaving patches of bare ground is so important.
Identification & Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Orange-legged Furrow Bee |
| Latin Name | Halictus rubicundus |
| Size | Females: ~7–9 mm, Males: ~6–8 mm |
| Location | Widespread across the UK |
| Active Months | March to October |
| Habitat | Gardens, lawns, grassland, heathland, coastal dunes |
| Nesting Behaviour | Ground-nesting in sunny, bare or sparsely vegetated soil |
| Social Behaviour | Solitary to weakly social |
| Flora | Dandelion, daisy, buttercup, small wildflowers |
| UK Status | Common |
How to Identify the Orange-legged Furrow Bee
The Orange-legged Furrow Bee is a small, dark bee with a subtle metallic sheen and noticeably orange or reddish legs, particularly visible when it is moving on flowers or soil. Pale hair bands across the abdomen can sometimes be seen in good light.
In the UK, it is most often encountered flying low over short grass or bare ground, especially near nesting areas. It frequently visits low-growing flowers and is easy to miss unless you look closely.
Physical Characteristics
- Female – Slightly larger, dark-bodied with orange-tinted legs and faint pale bands on the abdomen.
- Male (Drone) – Smaller and slimmer, often with longer antennae and less obvious leg colouring.
Similar Species
The Orange-legged Furrow Bee is often confused with other small ground-nesting bees:
- Common Furrow Bee (Lasioglossum calceatum) – Generally darker legs and a more slender appearance.
- Smeathman’s Furrow Bee (Lasioglossum smeathmanellum) – Smaller and more delicate overall.
- Small Mining Bees (Andrena species) – Usually stockier with different nesting behaviour.
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 Orange-legged Furrow Bee Matters
The Orange-legged Furrow Bee is an important pollinator of small wildflowers and garden plants. Its long active season means it contributes to pollination from early spring through to autumn.
Because it thrives in open, sunny ground, it is also a useful indicator of habitats that are not overly managed or compacted, benefiting many other insects.
FAQs
No. This species is gentle and very unlikely to sting unless handled.
It is active for much of the year, typically from March to October.
No. It is a common and widespread species.
Females can sting, but stings are rare and usually occur only if the bee is trapped.
How You Can Help
Supporting the Orange-legged Furrow Bee is simple and practical:
🌿 Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers
- Dandelion, daisy, buttercup, lawn wildflowers
🚫 Avoid Harmful Pesticides
- Avoid insecticides that contaminate nectar and pollen
🏡 Provide Nesting Spaces
- Leave small patches of bare, sunny soil undisturbed
By allowing lawns to flower and leaving areas of open ground, you help support the Orange-legged Furrow Bee and many other small solitary pollinators.
