The Solitary bee (Andrena fulva (Solitary Mining Bee)) are a native bee species in Fiji. These are WILD bees, and not kept by beekeepers.
Appearance
Often look similar to the honey bee.
Lifecycle
- Colony size – small nests which are individually tended by a female.
- Preferred nest sites – often in sandy soil, sometimes in soft cement and mortar between bricks.
- Although solitary, nests are often found near each other in villages in a suitable nesting area.
- Nest construction – various materials. Usually a new nest each year.
Habits
- Swarming – does not swarm.
- Overwintering – usually in the pupal stage within the nest.
- Food preferences – honey and pollen.
- Rarely stings and is not aggressive.
