Red-girdled Mining Bee
- Common Name: Red-girdled Mining Bee
- Latin Name: Andrena labiata
- Size: 7-10 mm
- Location: Southern and central England
- Active Months: May to June
- Habitat: Chalk grasslands, heathlands
- Nesting Behaviour: Ground nester
- Social Behaviour: Solitary
- Flora & Fauna: Clover, hawkweed
- UK Status: Localized, declining
Red-girdled Mining Bee Identification: A Complete Guide
The Red-girdled Mining Bee (Andrena labiata) is a distinctive and attractive solitary bee species native to Europe. Known for the striking red band that girdles its abdomen, this bee is one of the many species of mining bees that play a crucial role in pollination. Understanding how to identify the Red-girdled Mining Bee can help you appreciate its unique presence in gardens, meadows, and other natural habitats.
Behavior and Habitat of the Red-girdled Mining Bee
The Red-girdled Mining Bee is most active from late spring to early summer, typically between May and July. These bees prefer habitats with sandy or light soil where they can easily dig their nests. They are often found in sunny, open areas such as heathlands, grasslands, and even well-drained gardens.
As a solitary bee, each female constructs her own nest by digging a small burrow in the ground. The nesting site usually consists of multiple tunnels where she lays her eggs, providing each one with a store of pollen and nectar.
Nesting Habits of Andrena labiata
The Red-girdled Mining Bee is named for its unique nesting behavior, which involves excavating tunnels in light, sandy soil. The female bee digs a series of small tunnels, each of which ends in a chamber where she lays a single egg. She provisions each egg with a mixture of pollen and nectar, creating a food source for the developing larvae.
Once the egg is laid and the chamber is sealed, the larvae develop within the underground nest. They eventually pupate and emerge as adult bees the following spring, continuing the cycle.
How to Identify the Red-girdled Mining Bee
Red-girdled Mining Bee identification is relatively straightforward due to the bee’s distinctive appearance. These bees are medium-sized, measuring about 8-12mm in length. The most notable feature is the bright red band that girdles the top of the abdomen, contrasting sharply with the rest of the black body.
The head and thorax of the Red-girdled Mining Bee are covered in fine, short hairs that can appear slightly golden in sunlight. Males are generally smaller and less vividly colored than females but still exhibit the characteristic red band on the abdomen.
Females are more robust with stronger mandibles, which they use for digging. Males can often be seen flying low over the ground, searching for mates or patrolling territories.
Encouraging Red-girdled Mining Bees in Your Garden
If you want to attract and support Red-girdled Mining Bees in your garden, consider maintaining areas with well-drained, sandy soil where these bees can nest. Planting a variety of flowering plants, especially those that bloom in late spring and early summer, will provide the necessary nectar and pollen they need to thrive.
Avoid using pesticides or disturbing potential nesting sites during the active season to encourage these bees to make your garden their home. By creating a bee-friendly environment, you can enjoy the presence of these beautiful pollinators while contributing to the health of your local ecosystem.
– Click here to get back to How to Identify Bees
