ivy bee

[beeatshellards]

does anyone know how far this bee has moved since being discovered in 2001,I know it feeds on ivy but does it compete with honey bees , I know it is a solitary species but my bees feed on ivy and I dont want any competition!!

 

[VEG]

lol there is plenty of ivy to go around.

 

[Onge]

 

[viridens]

I have seen them here (Somerset). They look like honeybees, but have a more ginger fur and light bands right to the end of the body.

 

[Tom Bick]

Just spotted the Ivy starting to flower on my way to work today.

Perhaps an early patch or it is going to be early like most things this year.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Another two weeks here but will still be early

 

[circe]

I first noticed them down this way about 2 years ago - they don't cause any problems for the honeybees with regard to forage competition on the ivy - as already said, there's loads to go round.... \they reside in the local sandunes but I only notice them when the ivy flowers - just have to hope the gallumping visitors don't trash their fragile colonies.

 

[Chris Luck]

Colletes hederae

Source.http://aramel.free.fr/INSECTES18ter-1'.shtml

Of course there are a number of other solitary bees, wasps, butterflies and other insects that use ivy.

Chris

 

[beeatshellards]

thanks for the information and the photos .I have never seen one or knew much about it, glad to know they dont compete with the bees or harm them