Davies' Colletes - Colletes daviesanus

Size 7 to 9 mm. This is the smallest species of Colletes in the UK. It is more grey brown than other similar species, and has sparser thoracic hair (allowing the mesonotum to shine through).

Most solitary bees and wasps are difficult to identify, and can rarely be identified from photos taken in the field.  All red-rated records should include a photo, or set of photos, showing the key characters, which may require the specimen. Please include a face shot, side, top and wings.  Note whether male or female, explain how the specimen met the key characters and the key used.  We will accept records identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via the BWARS’ Facebook noting the name of the person/organisation identifying the record (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’).

May be seen visiting flowers and at its nesting sites.

Mid June to mid September. Females provision the nest entirely from flowers in the family Asteraceae, Tansy, Daisies and Ragwort being common forage plants.

Will nest in soft steep or vertical faces such as sandstone cliffs, steep cuttings etc. It will also nest in soft mortar joints in brickwork – and can cause considerable problems when a large number of bees use the same site.

Widely distributed throughout England, Wales and the Channel Islands, but scarce in Scotland, where it is known only from scattered coastal sites as far north as Invernesshire.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.