The Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria) was thought to be extinct in Scotland until Murdo Macdonald found it in Morvern in 2002. There were a couple more records in 2012, and then this year Teenie Wilson found it on Lismore and I found it at Taynuilt, where I took the above photo.
It makes small holes in bare ground with a tiny pile of earth beside the hole, and carries pollen into the hole for the young to feed on. It is easily distinguished from other mining bees by the long white hairs on the head and thorax.
It may well be quite common on the west coast as very little bee recording is done in this part of the world. It’s worth looking out for and very interesting to watch. Please let us know if you find it – or any other mining bees.
Please send in your sightings using the form below, or email sightings@lnhg.org.uk with the details if you prefer. If you are not sure of the identity of your species, please send a photo to sightings@lnhg.org.uk, or put one on the LNHG Facebook page.
Comments or questions are welcome.
By filling in this form you consent to your record being passed on to the appropriate recording scheme. Your email address will not form part of the record and will not be passed on to anyone.
Carl Farmer
LNHG Biological Records Manager