noun
mining bee; andrenid bee
Refers to bees of the family Andrenidae, commonly known as mining bees. Typically used in biological or nature contexts.
春になると、ヒメハナバチが地面に巣を作り始める。
In spring, mining bees start building nests in the ground.
この公園ではヒメハナバチの観察会が開かれる。
A mining bee observation event is held in this park.
Compound of 姫 (hime, 'small' or 'princess') + 花蜂 (hanabachi, 'flower bee'). The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely refers to the relatively small size of these bees compared to other common bees.