Andrena scotica (carantonica) - Andrena scotica

Andrena scotica is a mining bee and at 10 to 14 mm is one of the larger species, the male being slightly smaller than the female. The abdomen is all dark with no red markings and with pale upright hairs along the tergite margins. Tergite 1 has clear microsculpture when viewed with magnification. The hairs of the pollen brush are all dark and the flocci is of modest density with pale hairs.

Females

• wing length 9.5-10.5mm
• top of propodeum smooth
• abdomen all black with bands of pale hairs fully along the tergite margins
• legs all black
• dorsal fringe of hind tibia with dark hairs
• tergite 1 with microsculpture (x40)
• flocci (hair tuft on trochanters) short

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’.

They especially enjoy firm sandy soils with no overgrowing plants to smother the nest, for this reason they are often found near to pathways.

Mid March to late June - peaking late April and May.

Females share a common entry during nesting. Underground however each female takes care of her own chamber. Using the same entrance without being a real structured community is called communal. Because many chambers share one exit, fresh animals meet each other in this exit while trying to get out for the first time in spring. Males try to mate immediately, so in many cases the females have been fertilised even before seeing daylight.

One of the most common Andrena species, with most British records coming from southern, central and north-eastern England.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.