Suche
Sand bees in the Gütersloh district: natural wonders delight walkers
In the Gütersloh district, eye-catching sand piles in the Hühnermoor fascinate walkers. Discover the world of sand bees!
Sand bees in the Gütersloh district: natural wonders delight walkers
In the Gütersloh district, a very special natural spectacle is a topic of conversation among walkers. At the Hühnermoor in Marienfeld, conspicuous piles of sand attract the attention of visitors. These so-called sand bees have settled here and attract curious glances and amazement at their fascinating habits. NW reports that the small but remarkable insects attract numerous walkers.
Sand bees, also known as earth bees, are solitary creatures and have particular preferences for their nesting sites. These niche dwellers dig deep into the ground in areas with little vegetation, where they sometimes create tunnels up to 60 cm deep. Unlike many other bee species, sand bees do not produce honey, but they are masters at building nests. Each female looks after her own nest, which is filled with pollen and nectar for her offspring. Their entrances are also piled with earth for protection. The lifespan of females is around a year, while males only live around four weeks and die after mating.
Exciting habitats and lifestyles
The genus of sand bees (Andrena) includes more than 1,700 species worldwide, with around 130 species known in Germany. These small insects are usually between 5 and 18 mm in size and show an interesting variety of colors from black to black-red to shiny metallic tones. A striking feature of the females is their velvety, hairy face, while the males often have striking facial spots. Wikipedia highlights that sand bees thrive best in dry, warm biotopes such as poor grasslands, ruderal areas and gardens.
Sand bees collect pollen primarily from a variety of flowering plants. Their diet is varied and ranges from cruciferous vegetables to butterflies and fruit trees. Popular food sources include currants and gooseberries. However, there are also special species that specialize exclusively on certain types of plants, such as the bryone sand bee, which only collects pollen from bryones. Bee health informed that many sand bees are active from April to June and some fly until late summer.
Given their individual lifestyle and ecological contribution, sand bees are under strict protection. Their usage behavior and their role in local ecosystems are an important aspect that needs to be protected. The encounter between people and these fascinating creatures in the Gütersloh district is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a valuable opportunity to learn more about nature conservation and biodiversity.