Came across a great video this morning. It goes through the different species of native bees in Britain/UK (I suppose native bees don’t make the distinction).
Produced by the British Science Association, it covers and distinguishes between the nests and habitats of Leafcutter bees, Masonry bees, Tawny Mining bees, Wool Carder bees, Miner bees, Cuckoo Bumble bees and Carpenter bees.
The video is a little long and the narrative feels slow, but it’s worth watching if you want a good introduction the the little guys in your garden and are considering encouraging them.
I have today been attacked by bees. They literally made a ‘bee line’ for me stinging me on the head, arms and face.
I later went out into the garden for a few minutes and one came from nowhere stinging me on the back of the neck, I got it out of my blouse and knocked it to the ground. I sprayed it and it took at least three hours to die. I have it in a bowl and want to know what species it is. Apprently it comes from a bee keeper behind a house down the road. He is going to dispose of them and the enviromental department are going to make sure they are disposed of as they have also stung children and adults at a nearby Nursery.
Hello Christine,
Very sorry to hear about the bee stings. In general although female solitary bees have stingers, they do not attack and never in groups (the way that you seem to describe). I will contact you to see if I can be of further help.