About Lythrum Bee
A specialist bee that collects pollen from purple loosestrife along rivers and wetland margins. It is a ground-nesting species found in damp habitats.
Did You Know?
It times its emergence precisely to the flowering of purple loosestrife in July, and in years of drought it may fail to reproduce entirely.
How to Identify Lythrum Bee
Lythrum Bee (Melitta nigricans) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Melittidae. Adults typically measure 10-12 mm.
Lythrum Bee Habitat
Lythrum Bee is found in wetlands habitats, particularly across Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Lythrum Bee Diet and Feeding
Lythrum 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 Lythrum Bee Found?
Lythrum Bee can be found in Europe, where it inhabits wetlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Lythrum Bee can be found
Is Lythrum Bee Dangerous?
Lythrum 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.
Lythrum Bee Role in Nature
Lythrum 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 Lythrum Bee
What does Lythrum Bee look like?
The Lythrum Bee typically measures 10-12 mm.
Where is Lythrum Bee found?
The Lythrum Bee is found in Europe and typically inhabits wetlands environments.
What does Lythrum Bee eat?
The Lythrum Bee feeds on pollen collected from flowers.
Is Lythrum Bee dangerous to humans?
The Lythrum Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
Is Lythrum Bee endangered?
The Lythrum 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 Lythrum Bee?
It times its emergence precisely to the flowering of purple loosestrife in July, and in years of drought it may fail to reproduce entirely.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Lythrum Bee (Melitta nigricans). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/lythrum-bee
MLA:
"Lythrum Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/lythrum-bee.