🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Chocolate Mining Bee

Andrena scotica

About 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.

How to Identify Chocolate Mining Bee

Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Andrenidae. Adults typically measure 9-13 mm.

Chocolate Mining Bee Habitat

Chocolate Mining Bee is found in heathland habitats, particularly across Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Chocolate Mining Bee Diet and Feeding

Chocolate Mining Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Where Is Chocolate Mining Bee Found?

Chocolate Mining Bee can be found in Europe, where it inhabits heathland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Chocolate Mining Bee can be found

Is Chocolate Mining Bee Dangerous?

Chocolate Mining 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.

Chocolate Mining Bee Role in Nature

Chocolate Mining 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

Jan
Feb
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Aug
Sep
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Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Mining Bee

What does Chocolate Mining Bee look like?

The Chocolate Mining Bee typically measures 9-13 mm.

Where is Chocolate Mining Bee found?

The Chocolate Mining Bee is found in Europe and typically inhabits heathland environments.

What does Chocolate Mining Bee eat?

The Chocolate Mining Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.

Is Chocolate Mining Bee dangerous to humans?

The Chocolate Mining 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 Chocolate Mining Bee?

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

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/chocolate-mining-bee

MLA:
"Chocolate Mining Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/chocolate-mining-bee.