🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Mistletoe Mining Bee

Andrena nycthemera

About Mistletoe Mining Bee

A striking spring-flying mining bee with contrasting black and white body hair bands. It is associated with blackthorn hedgerows in European lowland habitats.

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Did You Know?

Its bold black-and-white striped appearance makes it one of the most visually distinctive mining bees in Europe.

How to Identify Mistletoe Mining Bee

Mistletoe Mining Bee (Andrena nycthemera) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Andrenidae. Adults typically measure 11-14 mm.

Mistletoe Mining Bee Habitat

Mistletoe Mining Bee is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Central and Southern Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Mistletoe Mining Bee Diet and Feeding

Mistletoe 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 Mistletoe Mining Bee Found?

Mistletoe Mining Bee can be found in Central and Southern Europe, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Mistletoe Mining Bee can be found

Is Mistletoe Mining Bee Dangerous?

Mistletoe 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.

Mistletoe Mining Bee Role in Nature

Mistletoe 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

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Mistletoe Mining Bee

What does Mistletoe Mining Bee look like?

The Mistletoe Mining Bee typically measures 11-14 mm.

Where is Mistletoe Mining Bee found?

The Mistletoe Mining Bee is found in Central and Southern Europe and typically inhabits woodlands environments.

What does Mistletoe Mining Bee eat?

The Mistletoe Mining Bee feeds on fruits.

Is Mistletoe Mining Bee dangerous to humans?

The Mistletoe 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 Mistletoe Mining Bee?

Its bold black-and-white striped appearance makes it one of the most visually distinctive mining bees in Europe.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Mistletoe Mining Bee (Andrena nycthemera). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/mistletoe-mining-bee

MLA:
"Mistletoe Mining Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/mistletoe-mining-bee.