ExploreInsects

Mining Bees

Andrena

Mining bees are small, fuzzy insects that love to dig in the ground. They are great pollinators and help flowers grow by spreading pollen.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Mining Bees are fuzzy, medium-sized bees often colored black, brown, or reddish, sometimes with pale striped abdomens. They have noticeable pollen-collecting hairs (scopae) on their hind legs or underside, distinguishing them from wasps. Their bodies are typically stout, making them look stockier than honey bees.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyAndrenidaeGenusAndrena
Mining Bees
furry trait badgesolitary trait badgeherbivorous trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badge
Mining Bees

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Each female mining bee is a superhero single mom, building an entire nest all by herself.

Mining bees are incredible pollinators for many plants, even though they don't make honey.

Mining bees dig intricate tunnels underground, sometimes creating 'bee cities' in your lawn!

They are among the first bees to buzz around in spring, sometimes when it's still chilly!

Special abilities

Ability

Underground Architects

Mining Bees can excavate complex burrows in the soil because of strong jaws and specialized legs that help them create nests.

Ability

Pollen Power Hairs

Mining Bees have dense, branched hairs (scopae) that helps them collect and transport large amounts of pollen for their young.

Ability

Solo Nest Builders

Mining Bees are solitary and each female builds her own individual nest, because they don't live in a large colony.

Ability

Early Spring Risers

Mining Bees can emerge very early in spring, because they are well-adapted to cooler temperatures, helping to pollinate early blooms.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
15-30 mm
Size
8-17 mm
Lifespan
20-40 days
Flight Speed
12 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Mining bees sip nectar for energy and gather pollen to feed their growing babies.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Pollen
  • Willow pollen
  • Dandelion pollen
  • Fruit tree pollen

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

pollinates

Apple Tree

Malus domestica

Helps apple trees produce fruit in spring.

pollinates

Goat Willow

Salix caprea

Crucial early spring pollinator for willows.

parasitizes

Gooden's Nomad Bee

Nomada goodeniana

Lays eggs in mining bee nests, stealing food.

eaten by

European Hornet

Vespa crabro

Hornets may prey on adult mining bees.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Mining bees are usually safe, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mining Bees's wingspan?

15-30 mm

How big is Mining Bees?

8-17 mm

How long does Mining Bees live?

20-40 days

How fast can Mining Bees fly?

12 km/h

What does Mining Bees eat?

Mining bees sip nectar for energy and gather pollen to feed their growing babies.

Where is Mining Bees usually found?

Urban areas

How does Mining Bees hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Mining Bees have?

6

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