Giant Furrow Bee
Halictus quadricinctus
Photo: Photo: (c) Hjalte Kjærby, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Hjalte Kjærby
Overview
The Giant Furrow Bee (Halictus quadricinctus) is a large, robust ground-nesting bee species characterized by its distinctive metallic green-bronze coloration and four prominent pale bands across its abdomen. As a solitary to semi-social bee, it plays a crucial role as a pollinator of wildflowers and agricultural crops, with females excavating deep burrows in soil for nesting.
The Giant Furrow Bee faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development, which has eliminated much of its specialized nesting and foraging habitat. Climate change and the widespread use of pesticides have further compromised remaining populations by reducing food sources and directly impacting bee survival and reproduction.
Habitat
Giant Furrow Bees inhabit open grasslands, prairie edges, and agricultural margins with well-drained, sandy or loamy soils suitable for burrow construction. They require diverse flowering plant communities within foraging distance of nesting areas, particularly favoring areas with sparse vegetation cover that facilitates ground access.
Other threatened species in Halictidae
Threatened in Albania
Frequently asked questions
Why is Giant Furrow Bee classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Giant Furrow Bee live?
What are the main threats to Giant Furrow Bee?
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