Honey bees are only one part of the pollinator story. Around our apiaries, we also see many other important species that help support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.
At one of our sites, I have been watching what I believe are furrow bees living alongside the honey bee colonies. They have been there for several years and seem perfectly happy sharing the same environment.
Furrow bees, or Lasioglossum, are small ground-nesting bees belonging to the Halictidae family.
There are around 30 species in the UK, ranging in size and colour, with some showing dark or metallic tones.
Unlike honey bees, many furrow bees are solitary. Females usually create small nests in the ground, often in sandy or loose soil, although some species will nest communally.
Furrow bees visit a wide variety of flowers to collect nectar and pollen, making them valuable pollinators in gardens, meadows and farmland.
They are generally active from spring through to early autumn, when flowers and forage are available.
Seeing them thriving alongside our honey bees is a good reminder that supporting pollinators means creating space for all bee species, not just those that live in hives.
These tiny bees may be easy to overlook, but they play an important part in pollination, biodiversity and the wider food chain.
Next time you spot a small bee disappearing into the ground or moving between flowers, it may well be a furrow bee doing its bit for the environment.
