Tawny Mining Bee

Gardens, parks, and meadows; they nest in lawns, flower beds, and paths with light, sandy soil.

Nectar and pollen from various flowers, especially fruit trees, shrubs, and dandelions.

Solitary bees that emerge in spring. Females dig vertical burrows in the soil, creating small volcano-like mounds of earth, where they lay eggs in separate chambers with food stores.

Virtually harmless to humans as they are not aggressive and have a weak sting; they are excellent early-season pollinators for gardens and fruit crops.