Violet Miner Bee Crowned CCE Yates Pollinator Tournament Champion

After weeks of fierce but friendly competition, thousands of pollinator fans cast their ballots—and we have a winner! The Violet Miner Bee (Andrena violae) has officially claimed the title of 2025 Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates County Pollinator Tournament Champion, securing a commanding 70% of the final vote.

Beloved for its gentle nature and vital role in early spring ecosystems, this tiny powerhouse won hearts and headlines with its remarkable traits:

• Specialist Pollinator: The Violet Miner Bee focuses almost exclusively on violets (Viola spp.), making it an essential partner for these spring-blooming plants.
• Ground-Nesting: Unlike honeybees, this solitary bee digs her own underground nest—no hive, no queen, just hard work and independence.
• Short but Significant: Adults emerge for only a few fleeting weeks each spring, perfectly timed with the bloom of their preferred pollen source.
• Gentle Guest: Non-aggressive and rarely prone to stinging, Andrena violae is a peaceful presence in gardens and wild spaces alike.

CCE Yates wants to thank everyone who voted and helped raise awareness about the vital role these small creatures play in sustaining our ecosystems.

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