Large Sallow Mining Bee
Andrena apicata
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrena_apicata
Overview
The Large Sallow Mining Bee is a robust, early-flying solitary bee species that emerges in spring to coincide with sallow (willow) flowering. Females are distinctive with their dense, golden-brown hair and relatively large size compared to other mining bees, while males are smaller with lighter coloration. This species plays a crucial ecological role as a specialist pollinator of sallow trees and shrubs, making it an important component of early spring pollination networks.
The Large Sallow Mining 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. The species' narrow ecological requirements and dependence on specific sallow species for pollen collection makes it particularly vulnerable to landscape changes and climate-driven shifts in plant phenology.
Habitat
Large Sallow Mining Bees inhabit areas with abundant sallow trees and shrubs, particularly in damp woodlands, carr woodland, wetland margins, and scrubland where willows naturally occur. Females require suitable sandy or loamy soils nearby for excavating their underground nesting burrows, often selecting south-facing banks or clearings with good sun exposure.
Other threatened species in Andrenidae
Threatened in Austria
Frequently asked questions
Why is Large Sallow Mining Bee classified as Endangered?
Where does Large Sallow Mining Bee live?
What are the main threats to Large Sallow Mining Bee?
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