🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Sandpit Mining Bee

Andrena barbilabris

About Sandpit Mining Bee

A pale, sandy-colored mining bee that specializes in nesting in loose sandy soils. It is commonly found in sand pits, coastal dunes, and sandy heaths.

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Did You Know?

Its pale sandy coloring provides excellent camouflage against the light soils where it nests, making it nearly invisible when resting.

How to Identify Sandpit Mining Bee

Sandpit Mining Bee (Andrena barbilabris) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Andrenidae. Adults typically measure 10-13 mm.

Sandpit Mining Bee Habitat

Sandpit Mining Bee is found in beaches & coastal habitats, particularly across Europe, Northern Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Sandpit Mining Bee Diet and Feeding

Sandpit Mining Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Where Is Sandpit Mining Bee Found?

Sandpit Mining Bee can be found in Europe, Northern Asia, where it inhabits beaches & coastal environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Sandpit Mining Bee can be found

Is Sandpit Mining Bee Dangerous?

Sandpit 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.

Sandpit Mining Bee Role in Nature

Sandpit 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

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Sandpit Mining Bee

What does Sandpit Mining Bee look like?

The Sandpit Mining Bee typically measures 10-13 mm.

Where is Sandpit Mining Bee found?

The Sandpit Mining Bee is found in Europe, Northern Asia and typically inhabits beaches & coastal environments.

What does Sandpit Mining Bee eat?

The Sandpit Mining Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.

Is Sandpit Mining Bee dangerous to humans?

The Sandpit 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 Sandpit Mining Bee?

Its pale sandy coloring provides excellent camouflage against the light soils where it nests, making it nearly invisible when resting.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Sandpit Mining Bee (Andrena barbilabris). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/sandpit-mining-bee

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