New rare bee discovered on Cornwall coastline

A newly discovered bee, labelled as nationally scarce, has been found on the North Cornwall coast.

Surveys undertaken by Buglife and the National Trust at Godrevy Farm have led to the discovery of the Red Bartsia Bee (Melitta tricincta).

It was found at Godrevy by local entomologist Paddy Saunders and Nick Holden from the National Trust.

Buglife said previously the bee had only been known on one other site in Cornwall, where the first Cornish record for the bee in 20 years was made in 2022.

Saunders said he was impressed the small bee could immediately sniff out their host plant, especially as there were no patches of Red Bartsia plants between that colony and Godrevy.

“I was extremely pleased to find the Red Bartsia Bee at Godrevy National Trust this year,” Saunders said.

“We found both males and females which was great as this indicated the bee had colonised following us sowing the foodplant.”

Holden said the National Trust was pleased to be working with Buglife to protect habitats.

“It is inspiring to work with such a knowledgeable and dedicated organisation,” he said.

“We are committed to continue this successful project long into the future so that incredible species such as the Red Bartsia Bee may expand their range on the Cornish Coast.”