Colletes hederae, commonly known as the ivy bee, is a solitary bee species native to Europe. It is recognized by its distinctive yellow and black banded abdomen, and is active primarily in autumn. The species specializes in feeding on ivy flowers, playing a crucial role in pollination.

Colletes hederae, commonly known as the Ivy Bee, is native to western and central Europe. Its geographical distribution includes countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy. The species has also been observed in parts of northern Spain and is expanding its range northwards.

Colletes hederae typically inhabits open, sunny environments that are rich in flowering plants. It is often found in urban areas, gardens, meadows, and along hedgerows where Ivy (Hedera helix) is present, as this plant is a primary source of pollen for the species.

This species is a specialist pollinator of Ivy, which flowers late in the season. The Ivy Bee emerges in the autumn to coincide with the flowering of Ivy, making it an important pollinator for this plant. The bees nest in sandy soils, often forming large aggregations in suitable habitats. They are solitary bees but nest in close proximity to one another.