The wool carder bee is a species of ground-nesting solitary bee.
It is quite large and has distinctive yellow spots on its abdomen.
Females are often seen collecting fibre from plants such as lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina), which they use to line their nest cells, containing an egg, nectar and pollen. This is where the name ‘wool carder’ comes from!
Males are very territorial and patrol this plant for potential mates and to deter any intruders.
Look out for them on the Lamb’s Ear along the Broadwalk and in the Boulder Garden.