Dark Blood Bee
Sphecodes niger
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Stefan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Stefan
Overview
The Dark Blood Bee (Sphecodes niger) is a small, distinctive cuckoo bee characterized by its dark metallic body with reddish-brown abdominal markings that give it its common name. As a kleptoparasitic species, it does not collect pollen itself but instead infiltrates the nests of solitary ground-nesting bees, particularly mining bees (Andrena species), where females lay their eggs to exploit the host's provisions.
The Dark Blood Bee faces significant population pressures from habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and urban development, which eliminates the diverse flowering plants and suitable nesting sites it requires. Climate change and widespread pesticide use in agricultural areas further threaten remaining populations by disrupting foraging resources and directly impacting bee survival.
Habitat
Open grasslands, meadows, heathlands, and agricultural margins with abundant flowering plants, particularly areas with sandy soils suitable for ground-nesting bees. Also found in coastal dunes, woodland edges, and urban green spaces where diverse wildflower communities persist.
Other threatened species in Halictidae
Threatened in Austria
Frequently asked questions
Why is Dark Blood Bee classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Dark Blood Bee live?
What are the main threats to Dark Blood Bee?
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