Andrena bicolor

Description

This is a small solitary mining bee. The females are about 9 to 11 mm, and the males are slightly smaller. It is very similar in appearance to several other members of the genus and detailed examination is required in order to arrive at a sound id. This species has back hairs on the face, gingery hairs on the thorax and a blackish abdomen with pale hairs between the segments.

Identification difficulty
Identification aids

Most solitary bees and wasps are difficult to identify, and can rarely be identified from photos taken in the field.  All red-rated records should include a photo or set of photos of the specimen, illustrating the key characters taken from a standard key, which should also be referenced (e.g. ‘Falk, 2015’).  The full set of key characters are generally not visible in field photos and photos are rarely sharp enough. To aid in the verification of your records, please include face shot, side, top and wings.  The notes should state whether male or female, and explain how the specimen met the key characters.  Although NS may not be able to identify the species even if these reference photos are provided, the photos will be stored with the record and may allow it be identified in future.   Alternatively, NS will accept records identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via BWARS’ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065021433202 .  If you have obtained this advice, please note the name of the person/organisation identifying the record in the ‘determiner’ field (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’) rather than just a comment of ‘BWARS Facebook’.

Habitat

Found in various habitats including grassland and open woodland areas.

When to see it

It has two generations per year, being on the wing from March to May and then from late June to August.

Life History

They nest in the ground, usually where the soil is quite soft. A small nest is constructed containing a few cells, which the female fills with pollen. A single egg is laid in each cell and the larvae feed on the pollen.

UK Status

Fairly frequent and found throughout Britain, though mostly southern.

VC55 Status

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

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