Introduction: the arrival of the ivy bee

In recent years, a new bee species has been making its way into the UK, causing concern among experts and conservationists alike. The ivy bee (Colletes hederae) was first sighted in the UK in 2001, and since then, its population has been steadily growing, spreading throughout the country. While the arrival of new species can be seen as a positive development in some cases, the ivy bee is causing alarm due to its potential impact on native bee populations.

What is the ivy bee?

The ivy bee is a solitary bee species that belongs to the Colletidae family, which is known for its ground-nesting bees. This bee species is named after its preferred food source, the ivy plant, which blooms in late summer and early autumn, providing a vital source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. The ivy bee is distinct from other bee species due to its conspicuous yellow and black bands on its abdomen, and its relatively short tongue, which makes it well-suited to feeding on the ivy plant’s nectar.

The ivy bee’s lifecycle

The ivy bee has a unique lifecycle that is adapted to the ivy plant’s seasonal blooming pattern. The adult bees emerge in late summer and early autumn, coinciding with the ivy plant’s flowering season. After mating, the female bees search for suitable nesting sites in the ground, where they lay their eggs in individual cells. The larvae feed on a mixture of pollen and nectar provided by the mother bee, before pupating and emerging as adult bees the following year.

Why is the ivy bee a threat to native bees?

The ivy bee’s arrival in the UK is a concern for native bee populations, as it has the potential to compete with them for resources and habitat. The ivy bee’s lifecycle is adapted to the ivy plant, which means it may outcompete native bee species that rely on other plants for nectar and pollen. Additionally, the ivy bee’s ground-nesting behaviour may also compete with other ground-nesting bee species, such as the mining bee, which are vital pollinators in their own right.

How does the ivy bee compete with native bees?

The ivy bee competes with native bee species for resources such as nectar and pollen, which can have a negative impact on their survival and reproduction. As the ivy bee’s lifecycle is adapted to the ivy plant, it may outcompete other bee species that rely on different plants for food. Additionally, the ivy bee’s ground-nesting behaviour may also compete with other ground-nesting bee species for suitable nesting sites, which are essential for their survival.

The impact of the ivy bee on pollination

The ivy bee’s arrival in the UK may also have an impact on pollination, as it may alter the balance of pollinators in ecosystems. While the ivy bee is an important pollinator for the ivy plant, its arrival may reduce the number of other bee species that pollinate other plants. This could have negative consequences for plant populations, as some plant species rely on specific bee species for pollination.

Where is the ivy bee found?

The ivy bee is found throughout the UK, although its distribution is not yet fully understood. It is most commonly found in the southern and eastern regions of the country, but has been sighted as far north as Scotland. The ivy bee is also found in other parts of Europe, including France, Spain, and Italy.

How is the ivy bee spreading?

The ivy bee is spreading throughout the UK due to a combination of factors, including the availability of suitable habitat and the abundance of its preferred food source, the ivy plant. Additionally, the ivy bee may be benefiting from the warmer temperatures associated with climate change, which may be allowing it to expand its range further north than previously thought possible.

What can be done to control the ivy bee?

Currently, there is no definitive method for controlling the ivy bee population. However, experts suggest that habitat management may be an effective way to reduce the impact of the ivy bee on native bee populations. This includes creating suitable habitats for other bee species, such as planting a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times of the year. Additionally, monitoring the spread of the ivy bee and its impact on native bee populations will be essential in developing effective management strategies.

The importance of protecting native bees

Protecting native bee populations is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring the continued pollination of plants. While the arrival of new bee species can have positive impacts, such as increasing biodiversity, it is essential to ensure that these species do not have negative impacts on native bee populations. This requires ongoing monitoring and management to ensure that the balance of pollinators in ecosystems is maintained.

Conclusion: the need for action

The arrival of the ivy bee in the UK is a cause for concern, as it has the potential to impact native bee populations and alter the balance of pollinators in ecosystems. While there is no definitive method for controlling the ivy bee population, ongoing monitoring and habitat management may be effective in reducing its impact. Protecting native bee populations is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring the continued pollination of plants, and action must be taken to ensure that this balance is maintained.

References and further reading

• The Wildlife Trusts. (2021). Ivy bee. Retrieved from https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/bees-wasps-and-ants/ivy-bee
• Baldock, K. C. R., Goddard, M. A., Hicks, D. M., Kunin, W. E., Mitschunas, N., Morse, H., … & Stone, G. N. (2019). Where is the UK’s pollinator biodiversity? The importance of urban gardens for flower-visiting insects. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 286(1914), 20180788.
• Natural History Museum. (2021). Ivy bee Colletes hederae. Retrieved from https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/ivy-bee-colletes-hederae.html