Home Page

Plants

Molluscs

Crustaceans

Spiders

Insects

Amphibians

Reptiles

Birds

Mammals

This species is one of the earliest bees to be seen in the year, queens emerging on warmish, sunny days in the winter. I have seen them on 18th December - although whether that could be said to be an early one or a late one may be debatable! Certainly in February I have often seen them on early-flowering shrubs in the City of London Cemetery or on Early Crocus flowers in Wanstead Park.

This one - a December one - was on Oregon Grape in the City of London Cemetery

It is said to be widespread and fairly common in Britain, although may be declining.