Meet the Miner Bee

Here in Maine these are typically the first bees we see in the spring. In April or May the females excavate shafts in the ground and lay up to 5 eggs, 1 per chamber, on top of a lump of pollen or nectar. The eggs hatch within a few days, and the larva start their year-long development underground feeding on the pollen/nectar. In spring they emerge and begin their 5-6 week life cycle. They are harmless to humans, they aerate our lawns, and are prolific early pollinators. Our back yard is full of miner bee holes. Initially we were afraid of them or thought them destructive, but now we are on much friendlier terms!