Sandpit Mining Bee vs Orange-tip

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sandpit Mining Bee Orange-tip
Scientific Name Andrena barbilabris Anthocharis cardamines
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Andrenidae Pieridae
Size 10-13 mm 38-48 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Northern Asia Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sandpit Mining Bee

A pale, sandy-colored mining bee that specializes in nesting in loose sandy soils. It is commonly found in sand pits, coastal dunes, and sandy heaths.

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Did You Know?

Its pale sandy coloring provides excellent camouflage against the light soils where it nests, making it nearly invisible when resting.

Orange-tip

Males have bright orange wingtips; females are plain white with black tips. A herald of spring in European woodlands.

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Did You Know?

Males patrol hedgerows searching for freshly emerged females, never visiting the same flower patch twice.