Amegilla quadrifasciata, White-banded Digger Bee, (Villers, 1789)
Length: 9 to 12 cm.
Season March to June.
White-Banded Digger Bees are a wide spread, solitary Bee species, from central Europe, down to North Africa and the Canary Islands. Over to the East as far as Japan.
They have the unique ability to “Buzz pollinate” Flowers. The bee will tightly grip the anthers of a flower and vibrate rapidly, causing the flower to release more pollen. This is known as a technical term called “sonication”. This technique increases crop yields for some plants. They also have a long proboscis, allowing them to sip nectar from a variety of flowers. The hairy hind legs increase the collection pollen.
They also have a more rapid distinctive flight pattern than other bees, while in flight, A. quadrifasciata have a louder buzzing sound. They have a placid nature compared to most honey bees; although they can and will sting if feel threatened.
Habitats and nesting…A wide-range of habitats. Coastal cliffs, Gardens, Forests, open woodlands and heathlands. Nests are usually built in open soil, dried up river banks, soft sandstone and soft mortar between bricks. Although Amegilla quadrifasciata are solitary bees the females tend to favour building their nests close to other “White-Banded” female nests. They will construct a number of cells with waterproof secretions, then she will lay her egg in the deepest cell and stock it with pollen and nectar for the larval food before sealing. She will continue laying her eggs until all the cells are filled and sealed. The larvae pupate in Autumn and leave as adult bees in March.
Males do not help to construct the nest, in the evening just before nightfall they will roost nearby the nesting sites in small groups with other males, clinging to long grass stalks and thin twigs by using their mandibles.
Flowers visited as seen in the images below, includes: Sweet Alison, Lantana Camara and Common Ragwort.