Illustration © nic-nic 2019
Pest or guest of the month
|
This monthly selection offers a description of some of Warriston's beasty and 'beastly' inhabitants and advice on how to live with them organically. Find more in our Pest or Guest archive |
May 2019—Solitary Bees
Thanks to an east side plot holder for this month's solitary guests.
What are solitary bees? We are all familiar with bumblebees and honey bees, but these are greatly outnumbered by solitary bees. In Britain there are an estimated 270 species of bee, approximately 250 of which are solitary mining bees and of theses only 14 species are commonly identified in Scotland and to be found on your allotment or in your garden. Most common genera of solitary bees found in Scotland are Halictus, Osmia Andrena, Megachile and Colletes. These bees can be amazingly effective pollinators and as the name suggests tend not to live in colonies like bumblebees and honey bees. Solitary bees often nest in the ground, preferring dry protected sites. Each female excavates a nest in soil and provisions her own burrow with pollen and nectar for her offspring. However, it's not unusual to find dozens of ground bee nests in one area if conditions are suitable for nesting. Males may fly over the burrows, patrolling for potential mates. Female ground bees can sting, but rarely do. These bees are not aggressive. However, they will sting in defence if threatened. Males of some species may behave aggressively around nesting areas, but they lack a sting. Finally, solitary bee nesting activity is limited to spring, so bees won't stay for long. Unless you have concerns for a bee venom allergy, it's usually preferable to leave ground nesting bees alone. Text: NR |
Mining Bee: Halictus rubicundus
Photo Credit: Laurence Packer 2014 
Tawny Mining Bee: Andrena fulva
Photo Credit: Claudia Watts |
