About Large Scabious Mining Bee
One of the largest European mining bees with a striking red abdomen loaded with pink pollen. It is a specialist of field scabious flowers.
Did You Know?
Females can carry a huge ball of bright pink scabious pollen on their hind legs that is visible from several meters away.
How to Identify Large Scabious Mining Bee
Large Scabious Mining Bee (Andrena hattorfiana) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Andrenidae. Adults typically measure 14-17 mm.
Large Scabious Mining Bee Habitat
Large Scabious Mining Bee is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Large Scabious Mining Bee Diet and Feeding
Large Scabious 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 Large Scabious Mining Bee Found?
Large Scabious Mining Bee can be found in Europe, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Large Scabious Mining Bee can be found
Is Large Scabious Mining Bee Dangerous?
Large Scabious 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.
Large Scabious Mining Bee Role in Nature
Large Scabious 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 Large Scabious Mining Bee
What does Large Scabious Mining Bee look like?
The Large Scabious Mining Bee typically measures 14-17 mm.
Where is Large Scabious Mining Bee found?
The Large Scabious Mining Bee is found in Europe and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Large Scabious Mining Bee eat?
The Large Scabious Mining Bee feeds on pollen collected from flowers.
Is Large Scabious Mining Bee dangerous to humans?
The Large Scabious Mining Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
Is Large Scabious Mining Bee endangered?
The Large Scabious Mining Bee is currently classified as Vulnerable by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Large Scabious Mining Bee?
Females can carry a huge ball of bright pink scabious pollen on their hind legs that is visible from several meters away.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Large Scabious Mining Bee (Andrena hattorfiana). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/large-scabious-mining-bee
MLA:
"Large Scabious Mining Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/large-scabious-mining-bee.