Pantaloon bees

Dasypoda hirtipes (pantaloon bee) is a nationally scarce southern restricted solitary bee that nests in very sandy soil on heathlands and coastal dunes. In Hastings it used to be entirely restricted to Hastings Castle and Castle Hill but has recently spread to Bulverhythe Beach & Cliff.

The species specialises on yellow daisy (Asteraceae) pollen such as ragwort, fleabane and cat's-ear and is on the wing from late June to September. The very well developed tibial scopal (pollen collecting) hairs on the hind leg are typical of the Melittidae family.

Pantaloon bee nests in garden lawn.

The bee is a heat loving species which is doing well and is even starting to nest in sandy lawns in gardens exposed to the sun.