The strictly protected black bee was observed for the first time in Roztocze

A strictly protected species of black bee was observed by naturalists in Roztocze National Park. Until recently, entomologists considered the black bee extinct in Poland. It is about the size of a bumblebee and has a blue-violet sheen. It likes flowery meadows and decaying trees.

The purple carrion beetle (Xylocopa violacea) or the black-horned carrion beetle (Xylocopa valga) has so far been seen in Poland, among others, in Białowieża, the Bieszczady Mountains, Ojców National Park or in Polesie, and in 2024 on the campus of the University of Wrocław. Colloquially, these insects are called the black bee.

On the last day of May, around noon, Przemysław Stachyra from Roztocze National Park noticed a tree stump in a forest settlement in Florianka, where there are vast pastures with flower meadows. This was the first – as he reported – documented finding of a black bee in this area.

"We are not certain which species it was - both are equally rare and valuable in nature. I knew right away that it was a black bee, because it is very distinctive: as big as a bumblebee, black, with a deep blue-violet sheen - simply a beautiful insect," the expert said.

In describing the encounter, Przemysław Stachyra noted that it was a single bee in flight, most likely a female. It landed on the flower several times, "not even for a full second."

"She probably nibbled some nectar and moved from flower to flower, then flew away. During that time I managed to take a few photos for documentation," he added.

Black bees usually build nests in the wood of dead trees. They dig tunnels with their mandibles, in which they lay eggs. They pollinate flowers of faba bean, vetch, and bugloss, among others.

"Black bees are not aggressive, unless they are defending their nests. They are very mobile, so it is better to take a short clip than a photo, because the film records smoother movements and you can see more," advised Przemysław Stachyra.

Until recently, entomologists considered the black bee an extinct species in Poland. It now lives primarily in southern Europe, e.g. in Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy.

According to the naturalist, this species is returning to Poland mainly due to climate change. The better state of preservation of dead trees is also important.

"That is why it is worth having more and more dying trees in forests, because it is a breeding ground not only for bees, but also for many other species. Flower meadows are also important in this context," the expert added.

Bees of this species are under strict protection. They are entered, among others, in the Polish Red Data Book of Animals. (PAP)

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