Sunday 31 March 2019

Mining Bees

Our first record of Sandpit Mining Bee today at the mere when two were photographed in amongst a colony of around 15 Tawny Mining Bees. Also photographed in the same colony was a single Gwynne's Mining Bee. The sunny warmer weather has caused the emergence of these tiny little Bees. Tawny Mining Bee females and males are totally different in colour and size , and at first sight can be confusing until photographed. Gwynne's can be confused with a female Tawny but is larger with a totally black abdomen . The other species which we have on site is Clarke's which until identified closely resembles Gwynne's I think I will stick to Butterflies it's easier.
Sandpit Mining Bee (Andrena barbilabris).
Sandpit Mining Bee (Andrena barbilabris).
Tawny Mining Bee male (Andrena fulva).
Tawny Mining Bee female (Andrena fulva).
Gwynne's Mining Bee (Andrena bicolor).
Gwynne's Mining Bee (Andrena bicolor).

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