Solitary bees are types of bees which live alone rather than in a hive. Unlike honeybees, they do not make honey or have a queen. They are not aggressive as they do not have honey to protect.

Why are solitary bees so important?

• They pollinate our crops, so they are important for farming and food production.
• They pollinate the flowers in our gardens.
• Solitary bees are mostly smaller than bumblebees and honeybees so they are important for pollinating small flowers.
• Solitary bees are losing their natural homes due to human activities like farming and building. So, it is important that we provide these essential pollinators with new places to live.

Where do they live?

• Females lay their eggs in small holes in the summer. They leave sugary nectar next to the eggs.
• When the eggs hatch, the larvae eat the nectar to help them grow.
• The larvae spends the winter in a cocoon and leaves the nest as an adult in the spring.

What types of solitary bee are there?

• There are over 200 species (or types) of solitary bee whereas there are only 24 types of bumblebee.
• Common types which you may see using a bee post are red mason bees and leafcutter bees.