Andrena Miner Bee
Andrena
Andrenidae
Andrena
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Description
Andrena are small to medium-sized bees, often dark and metallic, with broad-looking, elongate abdomens. Females have dense, shorter hairs next to eyes, known as facial foveae. Males have dense, long hair on their lower faces. The tip of marginal cell in wing extends to wing edge (see black arrow above). Many Andrena have transverse hair bands at the apex of abdominal segments.
Nectar/
Pollen Plants
Andrena include both generalists and floral specialists. They are often seen on buttercups, manzanita, buckbrush and mustard (crucifer) flowers, and others.
Habits
This genus includes many common bees on Mount Diablo, and some of the earliest Spring bees. Andrena are ground nesters, with entrances surrounded by circles of excavated dirt.
Season
January - Fall (but primarily January - April)
