We’re pleased to share a seasonal sighting of Ivy Bees (Colletes hederae), a solitary bee species that has become an increasingly familiar visitor to Jersey’s autumn landscape.
Ivy Bees feed almost exclusively on the nectar of flowering ivy, making them one of the final bee species active each year. Their flight season runs from early autumn through to November, perfectly aligned with the ivy bloom.
They nest in soft banks and bare ground, sometimes forming loose colonies. At this time of year, you may also spot lively mating clusters, with several males pursuing a single female.
These attractive and gentle bees play an important role in late-season pollination, and their presence is a welcome sign of healthy autumn habitats.
Photos: Richard Perchard – Entomology Section
