Model species

Four wild bee species were selected as model species for BeeConnect: Bombus pascuorum, Lasioglossum morio, Lasioglossum villosulum and Halictus tumulorum. These species occur in Baden-Württemberg and are well represented in samples from the state-wide insect monitoring programme across different study sites and sampling periods.

These four species are used to investigate spatial and temporal patterns of genetic diversity, as well as relationships between habitat connectivity and gene flow.

Bombus pascuorum – Common Carder Bee

Size:
Queens 15–18 mm, workers 9–15 mm, males 12–14 mm.

Nesting behaviour:
Underground, close to the ground or above ground, for example in abandoned mouse nests, beneath moss cushions or in existing cavities.

Pollen preferences:
Polylectic (collects pollen from a wide range of plant species).

Flight period:
From early spring (March) to autumn (October/November).

Habitat:
A wide range of habitats, including meadows, gardens and parks.

Source: Westrich (2019)

Lasioglossum morio – Common Green Furrow Bee

Size:
Approximately 5–7 mm.

Nesting behaviour:
Underground, preferably in bare or sparsely vegetated areas.

Pollen preferences:
Polylectic (collects pollen from a wide range of plant species).

Flight period:
Late March to September.

Habitat:
Not restricted to specific habitats; occurs in urban and residential areas as well as open or sparsely vegetated habitats.

Source: Scheuchl & Willner (2016)

Lasioglossum villosulum – Shaggy Furrow Bee

Size:
Approximately 6–7 mm.

Nesting behaviour:
Solitary and ground-nesting.

Pollen preferences:
Polylectic (collects pollen from a wide range of plant species).

Flight period:
March/April to October; two generations per year.

Habitat:
Various open habitats, particularly sparsely vegetated areas and nutrient-poor grasslands.

Sources: Amiet et al. (2001); Allen (2006)

Halictus tumulorum – Bronze Furrow Bee

Size:
Approximately 6–7 mm.

Nesting behaviour:
Ground-nesting, preferably in horizontal areas with sparse or short vegetation.

Pollen preferences:
Polylectic (collects pollen from a wide range of plant species).

Flight period:
Mid-March to October.

Habitat:
Open habitats, often with sandy and calcareous soils.

Source: Allen (2012)

 Amiet, F., Herrmann, M., Müller, A. & Neumeyer, R. (2001): Apidae 3: Halictus, Lasioglossum. Fauna Helvetica 6. Centre Suisse de Cartographie de la Faune (CSCF) & Schweizerische Entomologische Gesellschaft (SEG), Neuchâtel, 208 S.

Scheuchl, E. & Willner, W. (2016): Taschenlexikon der Wildbienen Mitteleuropas. Alle Arten im Porträt. Quelle & Meyer Verlag, Wiebelsheim.

Westrich, P. (2019): Die Wildbienen Deutschlands. 2., aktualisierte Auflage. Eugen Ulmer, Stuttgart, 824 S.

Allen, G. W. (2006): Lasioglossum villosulum (Kirby, 1802). Bees, Wasps & Ants Recording Society (BWARS). Abruf: 25.09.2026.

Allen, G. W. (2012): Halictus tumulorum (Linnaeus, 1758). Bees, Wasps & Ants Recording Society (BWARS). Abruf: 25.09.2026.