Rare sea aster mining bee discovered in Somerset for first time
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 12:44 · Archive
A sea aster mining bee has been discovered in Somerset for the first time, found in significant numbers on saltmarsh near Bridgwater. The species had never previously been recorded in Somerset or its surrounding counties. Conservationists describe the discovery as exciting and a demonstration of the benefits of restoring saltmarsh habitat.
The bee is thumbnail-sized with distinctive stripes and depends on the sea aster plant for food. It is usually only found on the south and east coasts of the UK. Local naturalist and WWT life member Nigel Phillips discovered the bees at WWT Steart Marshes, about eight miles from his home. He found them in significant numbers with several colonial nest areas in dry sandy ground.
Phillips said: 'I live only eight miles from WWT Steart Marshes so know from my many previous visits that the drier parts of the saltmarsh here are extremely rich in insect life, including spider hunting wasps and leaf cutter bees, but suddenly seeing the sea aster mining bees was a huge surprise.' He added that Steart Marshes is 'always an inspiring place to visit' and that he is 'sure there are yet more wildlife wonders to be discovered in the future'.
How it is being reported
- Rare species never before recorded in Somerset discovered on saltmarshA local naturalist made the unexpected discovery during at a wetland reserve as the thumbnail-sized newcomer was found in significant numbers.Somerset County Gazette · 25 Oct, 12:00
- Rare species never before recorded in Somerset discovered on saltmarshA local naturalist made the unexpected discovery during at a wetland reserve as the thumbnail-sized newcomer was found in significant numbers.Bridgwater Mercury · 25 Oct, 12:00
In this story: Nigel Phillips · WWT Steart Marshes · Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve · Bridgwater · Somerset
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem
Comments (0)