Teasel-plant specialised bees in Europe
The “Teasel-plant specialised bees in Europe-Conservation Action Plan 2023–2030” presents conservation planning for six key wild bee species associated with teasel-rich grasslands. These wild bees are at particular risk of extinction as land use changes cause the decline of suitable habitats while also taking away the teasel plants on which they rely for their survival. The reduction of host plants due to agricultural intensification and decrease of xerothermic grassland is now leading to the disappearing of the six species studied in this Plan.
Objective 1.1 Governance
1.1.1 Creation of a steering group
IUCN reported that the Steering Group of eight members has now been formed and is engaging well with the project, including strong attendance at the first project workshop in October 2025.
Status: completed (100%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: initial end date - 2022
1.1.2 Develop and secure funding for an EU-wide project to deliver the plan
IUCN also reported that the EU-funded project – “Support to the Implementation of Conservation Plans for Threatened Pollinator Species” – is now half-way through its three-year timeline. This funding has facilitated the creation of a network critical to the implementation of the Plan and enabled coordination and support to be provided to key actors in its delivery, however gaps remain in the funding needed for the implementation of specific actions within the Plan. Through analysis and streamlining of the plan’s key actions and mapping carried out on potential sources additional funding options are being explored.
Status: in progress (75%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
Objective 1.2 Improving national protection
1.2.1 Conduct national red list (re-)/assessments for wild bees in the following EU countries: Greece, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.
The University of the Aegean reported that three of the target species (D. braccata, D. spinigera and D. suripes) have been assessed at the national level in Greece.
In Belgium, Natuurpunt reported that while it is not one of the target countries of this action, the recently published regional Red List for Flanders includes three teasel plant-specialised bees: Nomada armata, Andrena marginata, and A. hattorfiana (the only target species of the Action Plan present in Belgium). These species also appear in the Belgian National Red List of bees.
Likewise in France, the Université de Mons (UM) reported that, numerous meetings have been held in France to prepare for (re-)assessments, with a workshop planned for the first week of February 2026. Pre-assessment work has been carried out for A. hattorfiana, T. interrupta and D. argentata.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2026
1.2.2 Add Dasypoda braccata, Dasypoda spinigera, Dasypoda suripes and Trachusa interrupta to national lists of protected species in EU countries
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2028
Objective 1.3 Improving European protection
1.3.1 Integrate habitat restoration of teasel-plant rich meadows in implementation of the EU Restoration regulation (Natura 2000 site management)
IUCN reported that potential integrations of this action have been identified for further consideration in the coming months. This objective also links to the work being carried out by the project PollHab (https://pollhab.com/), in which two members of this project are also involved.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2025
1.3.2 Consider occurrence of threatened teasel-plant specialised bees in the expansion of the European protected area network
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2025
1.3.3 Convene a stakeholder platform with bee-keeping community and wild bee conservation community to provide recommendations on bee-keeping in protected areas
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2025
1.3.4 Instigate EU-wide sustainable management of honey bees in PAs
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2026
Objective 1.4 Integration in existing plans
1.4.1 Ensure consideration of threatened teasel-plant specialised bees in the implementation of EU habitat action plan for habitat type 6210 (Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates) or future plans of other relevant habitat types
Buglife reported that, in collaboration with Eurosite, they have started discussions on the integration of this action with existing protected area and Natura2000 network coverage including the relevant habitat type.
On the same action, IUCN also reported that potential integrations of this action have been identified for further consideration in the coming months. This objective also links to the work being carried out by the project PollHab (https://pollhab.com/), in which two members of this project are also involved.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2025
1.4.2 Ensure consideration of threatened teasel-plant specialised bees in National Action Plans for pollinators or insects
Buglife reported that some stakeholder mapping has been carried out to identify new stakeholders who could provide updates and potentially help towards implementation.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2025
Objective 1.5 Coverage in protected areas
1.5.1 Conduct a gap analysis to obtain an overview of the number and identity of teasel-plant specialised bee populations (Dasypoda braccata, Dasypoda spinigera, Dasypoda suripes and Trachusa interrupta) outside protected areas
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2027
1.5.2 Instigate planning and designation of protected areas for currently unprotected populations of Dasypoda braccata, Dasypoda spinigera, Dasypoda suripes and Trachusa interrupta
Buglife reported that early discussions have been held, and possible integration identified related to this action.
Status: Not Started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2028
Objective 2.1 Improving knowledge of population status
2.1.1 Conduct field surveys at localities of all historic records of Dasypoda braccata, Dasypoda spinigera, Dasypoda suripes and key localities of Trachusa interrupta in the European Union and neighbouring countries
It is currently being carried out in Luxembourg for A. hattorfiana, as the other species do not occur in the country. Nine sites containing the species were confirmed in 2025, while four more sites at which A. hattorfiana was recorded in 2024 did not have these records confirmed in 2025. In Flanders (Belgium), such field surveys were carried out in the framework of the recently published Red List.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
2.1.2 Estimate population sizes of remaining populations of Dasypoda braccata, D. spinigera, D. suripes and selected populations of Trachusa interrupta in the European Union
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2026
2.1.3 Study genetic diversity of remaining populations of Dasypoda braccata, D. spinigera, D. suripes and Trachusa interrupta in Europe
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2027
2.1.4 Conduct a survey of other teasel-plant specialised bee species, which are currently classified as Data Deficient (e.g. Tetraloniella pollinosa, T. scabiosae, Andrena marginata, A. albopunctata and others)
Despite surveys carries out throughout 2025, the presence of A. marginata has not been confirmed in Luxembourg. The most recent record is from 2002.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2026
2.1.5 Study distribution of teasel-plant rich grassland (in combination with bare ground) as potential habitats.
In Flanders (Belgium), detailed mapping has been carried out for teasel plant and teasel bee locations based on the data submitted through the citizen science platform waarnemingen.be and a study on A. hattorfiana occurrence and habitat preference in 2015.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2027
Objective 2.2 Improving knowledge of ecology and habitat requirements
2.2.1 Research on habitat preferences (nesting sites, preferred teasel-plant species, microclimate (humidity, temperature)) for the six teasel-plant specialised bee species
In Flanders (Belgium), research on A. hattorfiana occurrence and habitat preferences (number of teasel plants, mowing regime, degree of isolation) was conducted earlier (Vanormelingen et al. 2015 Natuur.focus 14(2): 64-72).
Fieldwork has been carried out on habitat preference of A. hattorfiana in Luxembourg, with analyses of data now underway.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2027
2.2.2 Research on minimum size of host plant population to maintain a viable bee population (for all six teasel-plant specialised bee species)
In Belgium the study on A. hattorfiana referred to above includes the occurrence of A. hattorfiana mapped against the number of host plants.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2026
2.2.3 Study on the connectivity of populations, mobility of bee species with focus on dispersal and foraging capability as well as metapopulation dynamics and role of stepping stones or corridors
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2026
Objective 2.3 Improving knowledge to mitigate threats and improve management
2.3.1 Study on the consequences of different grassland management regimes (grazing, mowing) on flower and nesting site availability and the populations of teasel-plant specialised bees
In Belgium, the A. hattorfiana study mentioned above includes an analysis of the effect of isolation on species occurrence.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2027
2.3.2 Development of best practice guidance for habitat management and restoration for teasel-plant specialised bees
The Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) reported that a preparatory work on this task has begun, including exploration of linkages with existing projects (eg. PollHab). In Flanders (Belgium), teasel-friendly mowing practices are carried out on some A. hattorfiana populations, based on results of a study carried out in 2015 on the occurrence and habitat preference of the species.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2027
2.3.3 Study on how green inf rastructure (roadsides, power lines) can promote the species
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2027
2.3.4 Study on parasites
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2029
2.3.5 Study on microbiomes
Preliminary work is being carried out on this action in Belgium.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2030
2.3.6 Study on effects of climate change on the availability of habitat
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2027
Objective 2.4 Monitoring
2.4.1 Development of a standardised monitoring protocol for teasel-plant specialised bees (D. braccata, D. spinigera, D. suripes, A. hattorfiana, T. interrupta)
In Slovakia, Daphne reported that it has initiated the establishment of a working group and the preparation of a national-level training on pollinator species monitoring, where teasel bees are given particular attention.
Natuurpunt reported that standardised monitoring protocols are in place for A. hattorfiana in Flanders (Belgium) based on a 2015 study by Vanormelingen et al. and a 2008 study by Larsson & Franzén.
PollHab will co-develop standardised monitoring methods for typical pollinators.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2026
2.4.2 Integration of monitoring scheme for teasel-plant specialised bees (D. braccata, D. spinigera, D. suripes, A. hattorfiana, T. interrupta) into the European Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (EUPOMS)
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2026
2.4.3 Establishment of a monitoring scheme for effectiveness of conservation actions for threatened teasel-plant specialised bees
Daphne reported that it was coordinating the elaboration of a monitoring system for the effectiveness of conservation actions in protected areas in Slovakia.
As reported by Natuurpunt, the above-mentioned management practices and monitoring protocols have been implemented on-site for over ten years on a managed A. hattorfiana metapopulation in Flanders (Belgium) to monitor the effects of management.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2027
Objective 3.1 Management in protected areas
3.1.1 Ensure that existing plans of relevant Natura 2000 sites and other protected areas recognise and integrate action for teasel-plant specialised bees
The Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) reported that this action will partially be addressed by the best practice guidelines currently in development. Discussions and preparations for this task include strategies for tracking this action.
In Flanders (Belgium), three nature reserves with confirmed populations of A. hattorfiana, have been labelled as specific pollinator or bee nature reserves. However, the impact of this remains to be seen, as there are no further budget or obligatory actions associated with this.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2026
3.1.2 Adapt local conservation grasslands management to increase habitat size and reduce habitat fragmentation for threatened teasel-plant specialised bees in areas with occurrence of any of the six target species
The Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) reported that this action will partially be addressed by the best practice guidelines currently in development. Discussions and preparations for this task include strategies for tracking this action.
In Belgium, management recommendations have been applied on-site to multiple A. hattorfiana populations in Flanders by local managers from Natuurpunt, with efforts made to communicate these recommendations to other local managers.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2027
3.1.3 Minimise impact of honey bees on remaining populations of threatened teasel-plant specialised bees.
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2026
3.1.4 Develop specific (spatially explicit) habitat management protocol documents based upon the surveys and population estimates from actions 2.1.1 and 2.1.2
The Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) reported that this action will partially be addressed by the best practice guidelines currently in development. Discussions and preparations for this task include strategies for tracking this action.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2026
3.1.5 Explore options to reintroduce D. braccata, D. spinigera and D. suripes in areas or countries where they are regionally extinct
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2028
Objective 3.2 Improving population connectivity
3.2.1 Identify areas for an optimised habitat network for teasel-plant specialised bees
There have been efforts to start analyses to develop buzzlines for threatened pollinators in Luxembourg.
Status: in progress (37.5%)
Updated on: January 2026
To be completed: 2027
3.2.2 Habitat restoration: Restore bare ground areas and teasel-plant rich grassland in potential habitats close to existing populations and/or former occurrences of the species
In Belgium, it is reported that the restoration of flower-rich grasslands suitable for teasel bees is included in general grassland restoration efforts by the various nature conservation agencies acquiring and managing nature reserves.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2028
Objective 4.1 Reduce threats and enhance habitat availability in the wider landscape
4.1.1 Promote late mowing of meadows to benefit teasel-plant rich meadows
In Slovakia, Daphne discussed the possibilities for the late mowing of meadows with farmers and nature conservation to implement it on selected sites in 2026.
This action, together with action 4.1.2, is also part of the management recommendations for well-developed grasslands in Flanders (Belgium).
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2026
4.1.2 Promote late mowing of public spaces (roadsides, power lines, parks, gardens, etc.)
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: January 2026
To be completed: 2027
4.1.3 Promote integrated pest management and reinforce recommendation to ban or reduce pesticides and herbicides in protected areas with occurrence of teasel-plant specialised bees
BeeLife has carried out recent lobbying activities in the context of pesticides and other related legislation. While not specifically linked to teasel bees, these contribute towards the progress of this action, adding to their existing work on wild pollinators.
IUCN SSC Wild Bee SG (WBSG) has reported that synergies with existing projects are being explored, including with WildPosh (wildposh.eu). This project, coordinated by a member of the Steering Group, has a specific task on identifying the most effective and feasible measures for reducing the exposure and impact of pesticides on wild pollinators.
In Slovakia, measures focused on the late mowing of public spaces and the reduction of pesticide use in urban areas are being identified.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2026
4.1.4 Promote reduction of nitrogen deposition in grassland areas rich in teasel plants and ensure maintenance of low nutrient levels in areas which are already suitable
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2027
Objective 5.1 Public awareness of teasel-plant specialised bees
5.1.1 Prepare general outreach material (infographics, etc.) on teasel-plant specialised bees, including information on their biology, requirements, threats and successful conservation action
In Slovakia, Daphne has begun developing materials to promote and support pollinators in cities, in which teasel bees are specifically mentioned. Distribution and implementation of these materials are planned for 2026.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: initial end date - 2024 (update based upon
completed actions 2027)
5.1.2 Create information signs in protected areas with occurrence of threatened teasel-bee specialised bees to inform about the values, habitats and threats
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2025 (update 2028)
5.1.3 Provide information about the teasel-plant specialised bee action plan and implementation on the EU Pollinator Information Hive
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
5.1.4 Provide case studies on successful teasel-plant specialised bee management
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2029
5.1.5 Disseminate information on teasel-plant specialised bee conservation in LIFE project ‘LIFE4pollinators’
Buglife reported that mapping exercises are being carried out to identify relevant stakeholders to support facilitation of this action and synergies across existing projects.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2023
5.1.6 Awareness raising with farmers
In Slovakia, Daphne have initiated cross-sectoral cooperation to identify measures supporting pollinators in agricultural landscapes, with teasel bees explicitly included. The Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) reported that this action will partially be addressed by the best practice guidelines currently in development. Discussions and preparations for this task include strategies for tracking this action.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2027
Objective 5.2 Citizen engagement
5.2.1 Develop a label ‘teasel-bee village’ to distinguish municipalities which apply teasel-plant specialised bee f riendly habitat management
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2030
5.2.2 Develop an illustrated catalogue of teasel-bee-f riendly plants for public spaces and private gardens
Status: not started
Updated on: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2030
5.2.3 Engage citizens in habitat maintenance or restoration
In Slovakia, activities with youth, involving citizens in habitat creation, management and restoration have been identified and planned within a submitted proposal for funding, the results of which will be known in early 2026.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2030
5.2.4 Engage citizens in teasel-plant specialised bee monitoring
In Flanders (Belgium) teasel bee monitoring is carried out as a citizen science initiative, with much of the data on distribution gathered through citizen scientists trained by Natuurpunt, using the observation platform waarnemingen.be.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2030