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Prunus Miner Bee

Andrena prunorum

The Prunus Miner Bee is a small, friendly bee that loves to visit flowers. They are great pollinators and help plants grow by spreading pollen from one flower to another.

Habitat: Urban areas, Gardens

Appearance

The Prunus Miner Bee is a medium-sized bee, covered in dense, light brown to reddish-brown fuzz on its thorax and a black abdomen. It has prominent yellow-orange hairs on its hind legs for carrying pollen, and a slightly iridescent sheen on its wings distinguishing it from common house flies.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyAndrenidaeGenusAndrena
Prunus Miner Bee
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Prunus Miner Bee

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Did you know Prunus Miner Bees don't make honey like honeybees do?

Look closely for their sparkly, golden fuzz on their hind legs!

They are called "miner bees" because they dig their own tunnels!

Wow, these amazing bees build tiny apartment-like homes underground for their babies!

Special abilities

Ability

Underground Architect

Prunus Miner Bee can dig intricate underground tunnels because of its strong front legs that help them create safe nurseries for their young.

Ability

Pollen Magnet

Prunus Miner Bee has special fuzzy hairs called scopa on its hind legs that help them collect and transport large amounts of pollen.

Ability

Springtime Gardener

Prunus Miner Bee can efficiently pollinate early-blooming fruit trees because of its activity during the precise flowering window.

Ability

Gentle Nature

Prunus Miner Bee has a very calm temperament that helps them safely visit flowers without being aggressive, rarely stinging.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
12-18 mm
Size
8-12 mm
Lifespan
20-40 days
Flight Speed
20 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

This bee sips nectar for energy and collects pollen to feed its growing babies underground.

Age differences: Larvae consume pollen provisions left by the mother, while adult bees feed on nectar and pollen.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar (Prunus spp.)
  • Pollen (Prunus spp.)
  • Nectar (early spring flowers)

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

pollinates

Common Plum

Prunus domestica

Vital for fruit production of this tree.

pollinates

Wild Cherry

Prunus avium

Helps fertilize flowers of wild cherry.

parasitizes

Cuckoo Bee

Nomada succincta

Lays eggs in the nests of Prunus Miner Bees.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Birds may prey on adult bees in flight.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prunus Miner Bee's wingspan?

12-18 mm

How big is Prunus Miner Bee?

8-12 mm

How long does Prunus Miner Bee live?

20-40 days

How fast can Prunus Miner Bee fly?

20 km/h

What does Prunus Miner Bee eat?

This bee sips nectar for energy and collects pollen to feed its growing babies underground.

Where is Prunus Miner Bee usually found?

Urban areas, Gardens

How does Prunus Miner Bee hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Prunus Miner Bee have?

6

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Where to spot

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