About Blunthorn Bee
A late-summer specialist bee that collects pollen almost exclusively from bellflowers. It has a distinctively short tongue for a melittid bee.
Did You Know?
Females often become completely dusted in blue bellflower pollen, giving them a striking violet-tinged appearance.
How to Identify Blunthorn Bee
Blunthorn Bee (Melitta haemorrhoidalis) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Melittidae. Adults typically measure 10-13 mm.
Blunthorn Bee Habitat
Blunthorn Bee is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe, Western Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Blunthorn Bee Diet and Feeding
Blunthorn Bee feeds on pollen collected from flowers. As a pollen feeder, it plays a role in pollination, helping to fertilise plants as it moves from flower to flower.
Where Is Blunthorn Bee Found?
Blunthorn Bee can be found in Europe, Western Asia, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Blunthorn Bee can be found
Is Blunthorn Bee Dangerous?
Blunthorn Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Blunthorn Bee Role in Nature
Blunthorn Bee plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Blunthorn Bee
What does Blunthorn Bee look like?
The Blunthorn Bee typically measures 10-13 mm.
Where is Blunthorn Bee found?
The Blunthorn Bee is found in Europe, Western Asia and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Blunthorn Bee eat?
The Blunthorn Bee feeds on pollen collected from flowers.
Is Blunthorn Bee dangerous to humans?
The Blunthorn Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
What is an interesting fact about Blunthorn Bee?
Females often become completely dusted in blue bellflower pollen, giving them a striking violet-tinged appearance.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Blunthorn Bee (Melitta haemorrhoidalis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/blunthorn-bee
MLA:
"Blunthorn Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/blunthorn-bee.