About Heather Mining Bee
A late-summer specialist bee that collects pollen almost exclusively from heather and bell heather. It nests in sandy soil on heathlands.
Did You Know?
Its late summer flight season precisely coincides with heather bloom and it is one of the last solitary bees flying in the year.
How to Identify Heather Mining Bee
Heather Mining Bee (Andrena fuscipes) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Andrenidae. Adults typically measure 10-12 mm.
Heather Mining Bee Habitat
Heather 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.
Heather Mining Bee Diet and Feeding
Heather Mining 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 Heather Mining Bee Found?
Heather 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 Heather Mining Bee can be found
Is Heather Mining Bee Dangerous?
Heather 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.
Heather Mining Bee Role in Nature
Heather 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Heather Mining Bee
What does Heather Mining Bee look like?
The Heather Mining Bee typically measures 10-12 mm.
Where is Heather Mining Bee found?
The Heather Mining Bee is found in Europe and typically inhabits heathland environments.
What does Heather Mining Bee eat?
The Heather Mining Bee feeds on pollen collected from flowers.
Is Heather Mining Bee dangerous to humans?
The Heather Mining Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
Is Heather Mining Bee endangered?
The Heather Mining Bee is currently classified as Near Threatened by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Heather Mining Bee?
Its late summer flight season precisely coincides with heather bloom and it is one of the last solitary bees flying in the year.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Heather Mining Bee (Andrena fuscipes). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/heather-mining-bee
MLA:
"Heather Mining Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/heather-mining-bee.