ExploreInsects

European Woolcarder Bee

Anthidium manicatum

The European Woolcarder Bee is a fuzzy little bee that loves to collect soft plant fibers. They use these fibers to make cozy nests for their babies. You can often find them buzzing around flowers in gardens and parks!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The European Woolcarder Bee has a black body covered in yellow and black fuzz, with bright yellow spots on its abdomen and yellow legs. Males are larger and have five sharp, dark spines at the tip of their abdomen, setting them apart visually from females and other bees.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyMegachilidaeGenusAnthidium
European Woolcarder Bee
furry trait badgesocial trait badgeherbivorous trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badge
European Woolcarder Bee

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Despite being bees, they do not produce any delicious honey for us to eat!

Male bees fight fiercely with spiky 'teeth' on their tail to protect flowers!

Males are much larger and more aggressive than females, often chasing other insects away!

They don't live in a big hive; each female builds her own fluffy, individual nest!

Special abilities

Ability

Wool Carding Builder

European Woolcarder Bee females scrape soft plant hairs because it helps them construct cozy, waterproof nests for their young.

Ability

Territorial Guardian

Male European Woolcarder Bees vigorously defend flower patches that helps them secure mating opportunities and food resources.

Ability

Spine Fighter

Male European Woolcarder Bees have five sharp abdominal spines that helps them fight off rival males and other intruders.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
20-30 mm
Size
11-17 mm
Lifespan
20-40 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

European Woolcarder Bees sip nectar for energy and collect pollen for their developing babies.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • pollen
  • Stachys byzantina pollen
  • Lamium album pollen

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

pollinates

Lamb's Ear

Stachys byzantina

collects nectar and plant hairs

pollinates

White Dead-nettle

Lamium album

visits for nectar and pollen

eaten by

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

a common insect predator

parasitizes

Giant Spiny Wasp

Leucospis gigas

lays eggs in bee nests

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Woolcarder bees are friendly, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is European Woolcarder Bee's wingspan?

20-30 mm

How big is European Woolcarder Bee?

11-17 mm

How long does European Woolcarder Bee live?

20-40 days

What does European Woolcarder Bee eat?

European Woolcarder Bees sip nectar for energy and collect pollen for their developing babies.

Where is European Woolcarder Bee usually found?

Urban areas

How does European Woolcarder Bee hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does European Woolcarder Bee have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Insects