Common Carder Bee

Natural Habitat

Gardens, meadows, pastures, and woodland edges across Europe

Diet & Feeding

Nectar and pollen from a wide variety of flowers, particularly clovers and vetches

Behavior Patterns

Eusocial insects that form small colonies in moss or leaf litter; they use their long tongues to forage and are known for 'carding' (teasing) moss and grass to build their nests

Risks & Benefits

Highly beneficial pollinators for wildflowers and crops; they are generally non-aggressive and only sting if significantly provoked

Identified on: 6/22/2026