A tiny black bee associated with the flowers of various bellflowers (Campanula species). Common and widespread in much of England, but absent from Wales, Scotland and Ireland. It is commonly found in town and village gardens, and nests in old beetle holes or the exposed ends of thatch. Flies from June to early August
A very distinctively marked ground-nesting bee that often nests in large aggregations in lawns and short turf. Common and widespread across most of Britain and Ireland, and apparently increasing in both range and abundance. The bee flies from late March to mid-June
A large and robust summer flying bee that is highly territorial in behaviour. The aggressive males often patrol and defend favoured patches of flowers with considerable vigour. Widespread across England and Wales, and extending into south western Scotland. Common in town and city gardens. Its common name derives from its habit of collecting the hairs of the leaves of various downy plants to use in making brood cells. It flies in from… Read more
One of the commonest and most widespread solitary wasp species in Britain and Ireland. The wasp flies late in the year, and is active from late July to October in sandy places (such as heaths, dunes, waste places and even gardens). The wasp hunts for a range of large flies for stocking the larval brood cells.
A large, bumblebee sized species, that often nests in the soft mortar and exposed cob of old walls. Occasionally it will nest in the ground, preferring bare compacted clay soils. Common and widespread in much of England and Wales, especially in towns, cities and villages. Flies from late February to mid-June, and is extremely fond of visiting Lungwort (Pulmonaria) flowers.
A ground-nesting bee, that often nests in lawns and short turf. Common and widespread in England and Wales. In recent years it has been recorded in Scotland for the first time. It is very restricted in Ireland, but almost certainly under-recorded. Flies from late March to mid June.
The female of Andrena fulva is clothed dorsally (top-side) with long, dense, bright reddish hairs. These contrast strongly with… Read more
Atlas Hymenoptera The website of University Mons (Belgium).
Chrysis.net. The best site for those with an interest in Chrysididae 
Faszination Wildbienen. The website of Paul Westrich… Read more
An aerial nesting bee, that often nests in holes in walls and timber. Common and widespread in England and Wales, and also across the lowlands of central Scotland. Flies from late March to late May
Two "horns" on the face - unique to this species in Britain.
Bright orange haired appearance with dark hairs on the clypeus ("face").
Pollen scopa on ventral side (underneath) of… Read more
To celebrate the creation of BWARS' new website, we are launching another round of a survey to monitor the spread and colonisation of Bombus hypnorum (aka tree bumblebee) across Britain and Ireland.
BWARS chairman, Stuart Roberts commented, "Bombus hypnorum was first recorded in Britain in 2001, since when BWARS, along with its partners, has been mapping its spread across the country. Fortunately, Bombus hypnorum is an easily recognised bee, so that many people with an interest in natural history should be able to help us by sending us records of their… Read more
