Best time to see: late Aug to early Nov
Key facts
The latest solitary bee to appear, its flight coinciding with the flowering of ivy, its favourite food source
Widespread on the continent and extending its range northwards, arriving along the south coast in the early 2000s
Form large aggregations where nesting habitat - light, sparsely grassed soil - is available
Recognition
Ginger fuzz on top of thorax and broad buff bands on the addomen
Females 10mm, males 8mm
Lifecycle
Nest holes are dug in light soils in autumn, 15mm or so deep, then eggs are laid in cells, provided with food and sealed
Males emerge first and hang around waiting for females to emerge, forming a mating ball around them
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