Chelostoma campanularum - harebell carpenter-bee
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
Key features: Female
- A narrow, all black species
- Most easily seen inside the flowers of various bellflowers
- Snow white pollen collecting hairs on underside of abdomen
- Aerial nester
The male is similar in shape and size but has no pollen collecting hairs.
Similar species
Lasioglossum species - these are often small and dark but they have no pollen scopa on the underside of the abdomen and are ground nesters.
More information on Chelostoma campanularum
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Photo: Female Chelostoma campanularum at rest - Jeremy Early; inset - Jelle Devalez.
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