Critically endangered bee rediscovered in Offaly after 26 years

A critically endangered bee species has been rediscovered in Offaly after 26 years.

On Tuesday, August 11, All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Rrae Species Pollinator Officer, Joshua Clarke, re-found the Critically Endangered Silver-sided Nomad Bee (Nomada argentata) by sweeping Devil's-bit Scabious in a suitable habitat.

"Nomada argentata had not been seen in Ireland for 26 years prior to this new record, with just 7 confirmed records overall for the island from counties Galway, Laois, and Carlow," a statement about the discovery read.

"This new record makes it the 8th record, in a new county, and a new site for the species."

The Silver-sided Nomad bee is one of the 15 rarest and most threatened pollinators Josh will be monitoring during the AIPP 2026 –2030.