The Ivy Bee

Ivy bees are relative newcomers to the UK, first spotted in 2001. They can be seen in autumn, coinciding with the flowering of Ivy, which, as their name suggests, is their main food resource.
These bees are medium to large (just bigger than a honeybee), with ginger thoraxes and distinct orange/yellow striped abdomens.
Common in urban and farmland settings, as well as coastal and heathlands.
This species is known to nest in exceptionally large and densely packed groups.
These mainly occur on south-facing slopes of sparsely vegetated and bare earth/cliff faces, although are also known to occur in garden lawns and allotments.
As the name suggests, this species predominantly feeds on Ivy flowers, but they will also visit a variety of late blooming flowers.
As soon as the females start to emerge the males take their opportunity and compete with each other to father the next generation.
The contest is fierce with many males attempting to mate with the same female and becoming entangled in what is called a ‘mating ball’.
With so many bees nesting in close proximity, the total effect of this frenzied activity can be quite impressive.

[@chilledolay4065]

Thanks for the video. I was researching different bees in the UK and read about this and had to see it so this is much appreciated.

[@CloseEncounters]

I also have this video on our channel at kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZKwgYaGr5mIrLM If you follow me on face book there are other wildlife photos and videos on my page.