Miner(?) bees - Ask Extension
We would like to identify this bee and learn what to do with them. We recently had bark dust professionally spread in our area so we are curious if t...
Knowledgebase
Miner(?) bees #864626
Asked April 15, 2024, 3:34 PM EDT
We would like to identify this bee and learn what to do with them. We recently had bark dust professionally spread in our area so we are curious if the bees could have traveled in that or if they have been here for a while.
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Stan,
You have a keen eye to notice those tunnels!
Positive identification of insects from photos is difficult as many of the distinguishing characteristics can only be seen under magnification. Mining bee is certainly a possibility. They are one of the earliest appearing bees to emerge in spring. It is unlikely
that they would have arrived with the bark dust. The bark dust made it easy to spot the excavating of underground nests. They nest underground then emerge in spring when their food source plants are blooming.
The Oregon Department of Ag has a wonderful guide, "Common Bee Pollinators of Oregon Crops". You will find more detailed information about mining bees as well as many other bees to be found in our area.
The Missouri Department of Conservation, has a short information page on "Andrenid Bees (Miner Bees)" which has more identification information.
You have a keen eye to notice those tunnels!
Positive identification of insects from photos is difficult as many of the distinguishing characteristics can only be seen under magnification. Mining bee is certainly a possibility. They are one of the earliest appearing bees to emerge in spring. It is unlikely
that they would have arrived with the bark dust. The bark dust made it easy to spot the excavating of underground nests. They nest underground then emerge in spring when their food source plants are blooming.
The Oregon Department of Ag has a wonderful guide, "Common Bee Pollinators of Oregon Crops". You will find more detailed information about mining bees as well as many other bees to be found in our area.
The Missouri Department of Conservation, has a short information page on "Andrenid Bees (Miner Bees)" which has more identification information.
Hi,
Thank you for all of the interesting information.
If I brought a live bee in a jar would that help to identify the bee? I'll try to identify their favorite foods when the weather warms up again. Their most interesting characteristic is that they spend a lot of time flying about 2-3 inches above the ground around their nesting area.
Thanks!
Stan
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 7:36 PM
To: stan-mc <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Miner(?) bees (#0134549)
Sent: Monday, April 15, 2024 7:36 PM
To: stan-mc <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Miner(?) bees (#0134549)
Hi Stan,
What a great idea.
I see that you are in Washington County. Here is the webpage for the Washington County OSU Extension office. It would be best to contact them directly for how they would like a sample brought in to their office.
Enjoy learning more about our native bees.
What a great idea.
I see that you are in Washington County. Here is the webpage for the Washington County OSU Extension office. It would be best to contact them directly for how they would like a sample brought in to their office.
Enjoy learning more about our native bees.
