Cliff Mining Bee
Andrena thoracica
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Panagiotis Dalagiorgos, all rights reserved, uploaded by Panagiotis Dalagiorgos
Overview
The Cliff Mining Bee (Andrena thoracica) is a solitary ground-nesting bee species characterized by its robust build and distinctive thoracic coloration. Females excavate individual burrows in suitable substrate to provision with pollen and nectar for their developing larvae. As a specialized pollinator, this species plays a crucial role in maintaining plant diversity within its ecosystem.
The Cliff Mining Bee faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from coastal development and quarrying activities that destroy its specialized cliff-face nesting sites. Climate change and sea-level rise pose additional threats to its limited coastal habitat, while agricultural intensification reduces available foraging resources in surrounding areas.
Habitat
This species inhabits exposed cliff faces, coastal bluffs, and steep earthen banks where females can excavate nesting burrows in compacted soil or soft rock substrates. They show preference for south-facing slopes with sparse vegetation that provide optimal sun exposure and drainage conditions.
Other threatened species in Andrenidae
Threatened in Afghanistan
Frequently asked questions
Why is Cliff Mining Bee classified as Endangered?
Where does Cliff Mining Bee live?
What are the main threats to Cliff Mining Bee?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.