Ivy Bee (Colletes Hederae)

[tigger]

Just wanted to show you a couple of pictures of the Ivy Bees I saw at the weekend. These solitary mining bees have only been in the country since 2001 and are spreading across the south of England at quite a pace... They emerge late in the year (mid Sept to early Nov) and forage on Ivy flowers.

If you see any, let BWARS know as they are trying to record their distribution.

If you would like to find out more about these fascinating bees, have a look at the BWARS site or take a look at my Wildlife Blog (see link below).




Jane

[Hedge Witch]

The bees sound interesting - never heard of them before now

BTW your website looks excellent - I'll make time to have a good read of that soon - I love Dorset.

[Paul mabbott]

Yes, that is interesting; thanks. I suppose it will be some time before they get up here but worth looking out for .....

[Africa]

Hi Jane,
I also like your website! I was very excited about the ivy bee, as I have already witnessed comma, speckled wood, harlequin ladybird and tree bumblebee expand their ranges north past Hull, alas, I was disappointed to read that Colletes hederae nests in sandy banks with nearby old ivy - its completely flat and clayey here -, so, I might not be as lucky with this one... still, I am an eager ivy watcher so I will keen an eye!

[tigger]

Thanks for your comments. Although I think it does nest in very sandy places, it will make do with soft loose soil (so you are right clay is probably not a good place to look) however if you have any loose soft soil (which I admit, probably has sand mixed in) or sandy outcrops nearby... worth a look! Or they have been found on building sites where there are piles of sand waiting to be used... you could always make your own "ivy bee" des-res - I must admit I have considered this! Jane

[Susie]

Great thread. Very interesting. Thanks for posting, I shall be on the look out.

[eucera]

Hi Susie

Records of C. hederae from Hayling island today (Nr. Sinah Common). Then there is a great gap across the whole of Sussex until you get to Eastbourne (Willingdon village) and Hastings/St. Leonard's (LOTS). I am sure they are there somewhere around your neck of the woods

Stuart

[Susie]

Yes, I looked at the distribution map and it seems like they ought to be around. We are on clay here but I shall keep a look out on my travels in the area. I always look at ivy flowers anyway to see what is on it so it is no hardship.

[naturegirl]

All i see on Ivy flowers here are wasps (Jaspers).

Naturegirl

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by naturegirl

All i see on Ivy flowers here are wasps (Jaspers).

Naturegirl

As a keen mother do you go out at night with a torch looking at Ivy as a lot of late season moths are attracted to its flowers?