About Grey-patched Mining Bee
A glossy black bee with patches of grey hair on the thorax. It is one of the earliest spring-flying solitary bees in Europe.
Did You Know?
It is a key pollinator of blackthorn, which produces sloe berries used to make sloe gin.
How to Identify Grey-patched Mining Bee
Grey-patched Mining Bee (Andrena nitida) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Andrenidae. Adults typically measure 10-13 mm.
Grey-patched Mining Bee Habitat
Grey-patched Mining Bee is found in beaches & coastal habitats, particularly across Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Grey-patched Mining Bee Diet and Feeding
Grey-patched Mining Bee feeds on fruits. Fruit-feeding insects are attracted to ripe and decaying fruit, and some species can be significant agricultural pests.
Where Is Grey-patched Mining Bee Found?
Grey-patched Mining Bee can be found in Europe, where it inhabits beaches & coastal environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Grey-patched Mining Bee can be found
Is Grey-patched Mining Bee Dangerous?
Grey-patched 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.
Grey-patched Mining Bee Role in Nature
Grey-patched Mining Bee is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Grey-patched Mining Bee
What does Grey-patched Mining Bee look like?
The Grey-patched Mining Bee typically measures 10-13 mm.
Where is Grey-patched Mining Bee found?
The Grey-patched Mining Bee is found in Europe and typically inhabits beaches & coastal environments.
What does Grey-patched Mining Bee eat?
The Grey-patched Mining Bee feeds on fruits.
Is Grey-patched Mining Bee dangerous to humans?
The Grey-patched 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 Grey-patched Mining Bee?
It is a key pollinator of blackthorn, which produces sloe berries used to make sloe gin.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Grey-patched Mining Bee (Andrena nitida). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/grey-patched-mining-bee
MLA:
"Grey-patched Mining Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/grey-patched-mining-bee.