Kirby's Lesser Mason Bee
Hoplitis leucomelana
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Kirby's Lesser Mason Bee faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development across its limited range in southeastern England. The species' specialized nesting requirements in old mortar and soft stone walls make it particularly vulnerable to building renovation and demolition activities. Climate change poses an additional threat by disrupting the synchronization between the bee's emergence and the flowering periods of its preferred plant species.
Habitat
This solitary bee inhabits chalk downlands, coastal cliffs, and traditional stone-walled areas in southeastern England, particularly Kent and Sussex. It nests in cavities within old mortar joints, soft limestone, and chalk faces, requiring proximity to diverse wildflower communities for foraging.
Other threatened species in Megachilidae
Threatened in Austria
Frequently asked questions
Why is Kirby's Lesser Mason Bee classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Kirby's Lesser Mason Bee live?
What are the main threats to Kirby's Lesser Mason Bee?
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