The mining bees or adrenids are often seen in areas of landscapes that have little ground vegetation and loose soil. They are also commonly seen in North Florida turf areas while grass is still dormant.
After mating, the female bee will excavate a very small tunnel in the ground that has several small cells attached to it. The bee collects pollen and nectar to add to the cell and then lays a single egg in each cell. The emerging larvae feed on pollen and nectar until fall when it changes to the adult. There is only one generation a year. There may be many individual solitary bees that make tunnels in a suitable area of the ground.
Solitary bees are not aggressive and generally accidental stings are mild. Most solitary bees can be closely observed and will elicit no defensive behaviors. Males of some solitary bees, which can not sting, will sometimes make aggressive-looking bluffing flights when defending a territory.
Like the most famous honey bee, solitary bees such as the mining bees play a beneficial role in the pollination of plants. Their visible ground activity in the late winter is short-lived and no management is necessary.
Source: UF/IFAS Pest Alert
Note: All images and contents are the property of UF/IFAS.
