Digger bees belong to the familyApidae.
Other bee-like insects also nest in the ground including hornets andyellow jackets.
What Are Digger Bees?
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Females burrow into the soil to create tunnels and build chambers to lay eggs and raise brood.
Underground nests range in size from a few inches to several feet depending on species.
Each nest includes separate entry and exit holes.
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A single egg is laid and the chamber is sealed with a waterproof substance.
Brood clutches are much smaller than those of colonizing bees with a dozen or fewer egg chambers per nest.
Once an egg is deposited, bees spend up to 11 months underground, developing as larvae and pupating.
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Only one generation of adult digger bees emerges each spring.
They are shy and retreat into their burrows when approached by humans.
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Females are larger than males with thick hairs on the hindlegs used for collecting pollen.
Males have longer antennae and are usually seen flying around a burrow seeking a female to mate.
Males appear first to feed on nectar.
Many species also prey on insect pests.
When a sweat bee lands on you, they don’t intend to sting.
They are simply consuming moisture from your skin.
Unfortunately when you move or swat at them, a sting can result.
Some species are dwindling due to loss of habitat so make a run at live with them.
If numbers become a nuisance here are a few organic recommendations for reducing populations.
Harsh pesticides are discouraged since they impact other beneficial insects in the garden.
Dry, loose soil is what a female digger bee looks for to build her nest.
Males congregate around nest sites to mate which can give the appearance of lots of bees.
Digger bees do not make honey.
Females collect nectar and pollen to deposit in nests to feed brood.
Digger bees do not have a queen and do not colonize.
They are solitary bees and each female has the ability to lay eggs.
Most adults live for three weeks to a month.
Underground is a series of tunnels with adjoining chambers, one for each egg.
Burrows range from several inches to 2 to 3 feet in length.
Digger Bees in the Landscape.Iowa University Extension and Outreach
Identifying Bees: Bee Basics.
Natural History Society of Northumbria
Ground Nesting Bees.
