The Box-headed Blood Bee: Ireland's Sneaky Squatter
Have you ever heard of the box-headed blood bee? Don't worry, it's not as sinister as it sounds! Known scientifically as Sphecodes monilicornis, this fascinating little insect is one of Ireland's most intriguing native bees.
A Bee of Many Names
While scientists call it Sphecodes monilicornis, this bee has picked up a few nicknames over the years. Some call it the box-headed blood bee due to its distinctive head shape, while others simply refer to it as a blood bee. But don't let the name fool you – these bees aren't after your blood!
Where to Spot Them in Ireland
Good news for Irish nature enthusiasts – Sphecodes monilicornis is found throughout Ireland.You might spot these clever little bees in a variety of habitats, including:
Heaths
Calcareous grasslands
Woodland edges
Gardens
So whether you're out for a stroll in the countryside or tending to your backyard flowers, keep an eye out for these unique visitors.
When to Look
In Ireland, female Sphecodes monilicornis are active from mid-April to early October, while males join the scene from late June to early October.So there's plenty of time during the warmer months to try and catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures.
The Art of Deception
Now, here's where things get interesting. Sphecodes monilicornis is what we call a cleptoparasite. In simpler terms, they're the ultimate squatters of the bee world. These crafty bees don't build their own nests. Instead, they sneak into the nests of other bees, particularly species of Halictus and Lasioglossum.Once inside, they replace the host bee's egg with their own. It's like a bee version of the cuckoo! While it might seem a bit cheeky, it's just nature's way of ensuring survival.
How to Identify Them
If you're keen to spot a Sphecodes monilicornis, here's what to look for:
Size: They're medium to large for a Sphecodes species
Colour: A striking combination of black and red
Head shape: Distinctively box-shaped when viewed from above
Wings: Look for whitish hairs on the hind tibiae
Remember, though, that bee identification can be tricky. If you're not sure, it's always best to consult with an expert or submit your sighting to a local wildlife recording scheme.
A Vital Part of Our Ecosystem
While their parasitic lifestyle might seem a bit sneaky, Sphecodes monilicornis plays an important role in Ireland's ecosystems. Like all bees, they contribute to pollination and help maintain the balance of our natural world.So next time you're out enjoying Ireland's beautiful landscapes, keep an eye out for the box-headed blood bee. They may be small, but they're full of fascinating surprises!
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5 packs of handmade, native wildflower Beebombs. A mix of 18 native wildflower species, enough to create over 10 m² of wildflower meadow.
Beebombs are handmade wildflower seedballs and help make creating a wildflower garden so much easier. The perfect gift for anyone who wants to help restore our lost biodiversity. The work well in pots or garden borders. Any area that isn’t in shade and is clear of grass. Just throw your Beebombs onto cleared soil and make sure they get plenty of water.
We have helped restore over 1 million square meters of lost wildflower habitat your Beebombs will continue to #bringthebeesback
Fast delivery. Packed and dispatched from Ireland.
Beebombs use only sustainable packaging. No 'one use plastics' used. We source our seeds from 15 different smallholders around the EU and Northern Ireland.