Tawny Mining Bee
You’ve found the Tawny Mining Bee! This ginger-haired bee is a solitary springtime visitor, known for nesting in burrows dug into sandy soil or lawns. Gentle and hardworking, it’s a fantastic pollinator and a sign of a healthy garden.
Keep exploring below to learn more — and don’t forget to scroll to the bottom to get involved in our Bug Hunt Challenge. Crack the code, and you could win a private animal experience for four people at Bugtopia — a wild adventure you won’t forget!
Look who’s been busy beneath your feet!
Solitary bees are some of the unsung heroes of pollination. Unlike honeybees, they don’t live in hives or make honey. Instead, each female builds her own nest, often in wood, hollow stems, or underground tunnels. There are over 250 species of solitary bees in the UK… more than all other types of bees combined!
At Bugtopia Hornsea Zoo
We support solitary bees by providing nesting areas in our Bug Hotel, giving them safe spaces to raise the next generation.
Why They Matter
Solitary bees are often more efficient pollinators than honeybees. Many species have special hairs or behaviours that help them transfer more pollen between flowers. They’re crucial for growing fruit, vegetables, and wildflowers.
The Problem
Habitat loss, pesticides, and a lack of nesting sites are putting many solitary bee species at risk. As they decline, so does the pollination of plants we rely on.
How You Can Help
– Put up a bee hotel in your garden.
– Leave bare soil patches and don’t mow everything, some bees nest in the ground!
– Grow a variety of native, nectar-rich flowers across the seasons.
Fun fact!
Did you know?
Most solitary bees are gentle and very unlikely to sting, making them safe garden visitors.
Explore the wonders of the natural world at Bugtopia!
A whole lot more than just bugs… Find your WILD side with a visit to Bugtopia.
Step into a world of nature at Bugtopia Hornsea Zoo. Walk through our Jungle Trail and get up close to fascinating animals, incredible invertebrates, and lush tropical plants from around the world.
Our immersive Tropical House lets you see free-roaming creatures in a natural setting, from butterflies and birds to stick insects and reptiles. Join our expert-led Animal Encounters to learn more and even handle some of our amazing residents.
Your ticket gives you all-day access, so take your time, explore, and enjoy a unique wildlife experience at Bugtopia.
See signage on arrival for confirmation of the days timetable. Please note Encounters timetables are subject to change due to staffing and animal welfare. See signage on arrival or check our latest Facebook posts for up to date information.
Join the Bug Hunt Challenge!
Explore the village and track down all six hidden bugs! Each one holds a clue — collect them all to reveal a six-letter secret word.
Once you’ve cracked the code, head over to Bugtopia and share the secret word to enter our prize draw. You could win a private animal experience for four people — a unique chance to get up close and personal with some of our amazing creatures. Who knows, you might even overcome a fear or two along the way!
