Native Natter

Tiny signs of spring

April has been the month of everything starting to grow and new life appearing across the park.

As the days get longer and temperatures begin to rise, our invertebrates are some of the first animals to become active. They make the most of the early flowering plants and the extra daylight, bringing small but important signs of spring to life.

Meet the Hairy-footed Flower Bee

We are very lucky to be home to many species of solitary bee, including the wonderfully named Hairy-footed Flower Bee, Anthophora plumipes.

Its name comes from the hairy legs and feet of the male bee, which he may use during mating to stroke the female. This species nests in small cavities, including older walls and sheltered spaces.

The males emerge first and wait for the females to appear later in the season. Once mated, the female lays an egg at the end of her tunnel, provides it with nectar and pollen for the developing larva, then seals the end.

Small, but fascinating

Once the larva has eaten all the stored food, it pupates and remains safely tucked away until it is ready to emerge as an adult the following year.

These bees can be hard to spot and, after they have mated and laid their eggs, you may not see them again for the rest of the year.

Sometimes, some of the most interesting animals are very small and right under your nose, so make sure to look closely when you are out and about this spring.