Hairy-footed Flower Bee vs Chocolate Mining Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hairy-footed Flower Bee Chocolate Mining Bee
Scientific Name Anthophora plumipes Andrena scotica
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Apidae Andrenidae
Size 14-16 mm 9-13 mm
Habitat Underground Heathland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Hairy-footed Flower Bee

A fast-flying, plump solitary bee with males covered in tawny hair and females jet black. It is one of the earliest spring bees, often visiting pulmonaria and comfrey.

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Did You Know?

Males hover in front of flowers like tiny hummingbirds, darting between blooms at high speed.

Chocolate Mining Bee

A medium-sized bee with warm brown fur, common across the British Isles. It visits a wide range of spring and early summer flowers.

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Did You Know?

Despite its common name, it is named for its chocolate-brown fur, not any association with cocoa.