Native Mining Bee Rediscovered in Virginia After Century
The rare Protandrena abdominalis reappeared in Isle of Wight and Sussex counties after a 100-year absence.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Environmental
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Biologist Ellison Orcutt confirmed the presence of the native mining bee Protandrena abdominalis in Virginia in September 2026. The species, which had not been documented in the state for over 100 years, was identified across multiple protected land sites.
Why it matters
The rediscovery of this mining bee highlights the importance of habitat restoration for Virginia's nearly 500 native bee species. The return of the insect follows recent sightings in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey, suggesting a wider regional recovery.
The species is a native mining bee characterized by distinct red coloring and a lifecycle where larvae remain underground for one year. It was identified in areas featuring sandy ground and native flora such as goldenrod and scratch daisies.
The players
Ellison Orcutt
A biologist who leads field surveys and monitoring efforts to track native bee populations in Virginia.
The details
Ellison Orcutt surveyed both private and protected lands to identify the bees, utilizing butterfly nets to sweep through target vegetation. The mining bee, known for nesting in sandy soils, relies on these specific habitats that have faced decline due to land use changes. Prescribed fires are currently being used as a management tool to support the native flora and sandy environments required by the species to thrive.
Timeline
Late August 2026: The bee was discovered at Antioch Pines and Chub Sandhills.
September 2026: The species was encountered in Isle of Wight County.
The Tech Race
The reappearance of this species follows documented sightings in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey, marking a regional recovery trend. This finding updates the distribution map for the genus, which remains a focus of native pollinator research programs across the Mid-Atlantic.
Local landowners can support the return of native species by maintaining sandy, undisturbed nesting grounds and protecting native plants like goldenrod. The presence of these bees serves as a biological indicator of healthy, fire-managed ecosystem conditions in the state.
The takeaway
This discovery validates the effectiveness of current land management practices, such as prescribed burning, in restoring native habitats. Observers should track future biodiversity reports from the Antioch Pines and Chub Sandhills preserves to monitor the stability of the returning population.
Further reading
For more information on state conservation efforts, visit Environmental.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHRO Public Media.
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