About Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee
A specialist mining bee with an elongated face adapted for feeding on tubular flowers, particularly viper's bugloss. It is found primarily in coastal and sandy habitats.
Did You Know?
Its elongated face and tongue are so specialized for viper's bugloss flowers that it struggles to feed from most other flower shapes.
How to Identify Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee
Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee (Andrena nasuta) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Andrenidae. Adults typically measure 11-13 mm.
Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee Habitat
Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee is found in beaches & coastal habitats, particularly across Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee Diet and Feeding
Viper's Bugloss 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 Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee Found?
Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee can be found in Europe, where it inhabits beaches & coastal environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee can be found
Is Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee Dangerous?
Viper's Bugloss 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.
Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee Role in Nature
Viper's Bugloss 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 Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee
What does Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee look like?
The Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee typically measures 11-13 mm.
Where is Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee found?
The Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee is found in Europe and typically inhabits beaches & coastal environments.
What does Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee eat?
The Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee feeds on pollen collected from flowers.
Is Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee dangerous to humans?
The Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
Is Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee endangered?
The Viper's Bugloss 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 Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee?
Its elongated face and tongue are so specialized for viper's bugloss flowers that it struggles to feed from most other flower shapes.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee (Andrena nasuta). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/vipers-bugloss-mining-bee
MLA:
"Viper's Bugloss Mining Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/vipers-bugloss-mining-bee.