About Dawson's Burrowing Bee
A large solitary bee endemic to Western Australia that nests in massive aggregations in hardpan clay. Males engage in violent aerial combat to mate with emerging females.
Did You Know?
Male combat is so fierce that individuals frequently die from injuries sustained during mating battles.
How to Identify Dawson's Burrowing Bee
Dawson's Burrowing Bee (Amegilla dawsoni) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Apidae. Adults typically measure 18-24 mm.
Dawson's Burrowing Bee Habitat
Dawson's Burrowing Bee is found in heathland habitats, particularly across Western Australia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Dawson's Burrowing Bee Diet and Feeding
Dawson's Burrowing 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 Dawson's Burrowing Bee Found?
Dawson's Burrowing Bee can be found in Western Australia, where it inhabits heathland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Dawson's Burrowing Bee can be found
Is Dawson's Burrowing Bee Dangerous?
Dawson's Burrowing 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.
Dawson's Burrowing Bee Role in Nature
Dawson's Burrowing 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 Dawson's Burrowing Bee
What does Dawson's Burrowing Bee look like?
The Dawson's Burrowing Bee typically measures 18-24 mm.
Where is Dawson's Burrowing Bee found?
The Dawson's Burrowing Bee is found in Western Australia and typically inhabits heathland environments.
What does Dawson's Burrowing Bee eat?
The Dawson's Burrowing Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Dawson's Burrowing Bee dangerous to humans?
The Dawson's Burrowing 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 Dawson's Burrowing Bee?
Male combat is so fierce that individuals frequently die from injuries sustained during mating battles.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Dawson's Burrowing Bee (Amegilla dawsoni). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/dawsons-burrowing-bee
MLA:
"Dawson's Burrowing Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/dawsons-burrowing-bee.