No being well-up on the mining bees, I asked Bryan, our local entomologist what the species was. He informed me that it's the Ivy Bee Colletes hederae and is the latest of the mining bees to emerge, feeding, as the name suggests on Ivy Hedera helix which comes into flower this time of year. The Ivy Bee's story is fascinating. Known in Europe, it was first seen in a colony at Winspit in Dorset in 2001 from where it has spread west and east along the coastline and is now established from Cornwall to Kent, and inland to Avon and Hampshire.
The naff picture doesn't do justice to the pale-banded furry little critter so I suggest you check-out the Bees Wasps and Ants Recording Society's website for more information and current distribution maps http://www.bwars.com/ .
The latest bit of cliff to break free (it's only a matter of time and loads of rain that'll send it slipping down) was above a sub-colony of the above. Are the two connected?
Hard hats at the ready if you're taking the dog for a walk and all you bloggers up-north keep your eyes peeled . BWARS needs your help!
Hi Bob. Interesting that this species has recently spread to our shores (thanks for the web site tip - VG). This seems to be a repeating theme. Although I can't recall the details off the top of my head, I've read similar stories with other insects. Wonder if anyone is mapping the total picture of insect range spread? Somebody somewhere must be, surely? Better keep an eye out for it in Northumberland... Allan
ReplyDeleteMy memory has just kicked in....see http://wightrambler.blogspot.com/search/label/Ivy%20Bee
ReplyDeleteHi Bob,
ReplyDeleteI am grateful to Allan for tipping me off about your new blog - great stuff.
Becton Bunny looks like a wonderful spot to be exploring. I am also in crumbling territory, near Yaverland, IoW, and found a busy nest site of C. hederae up there last Friday.
Thanks for the info, Allan and the contact, Rambling Rob. Will try to keep up to speed with the professionals, but don't hold your breath.
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