Andrena bicolor, Mining Bee

Common Name: Mining Bee

Andrena bicolor 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 identification. This species has black hairs on the face, gingery hairs on the thorax and a blackish abdomen with pale hairs between the segments.

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

They can be found in various habitats including grassland and open woodland areas. Fairly frequent and found throughout Britain, though mostly in southern parts.

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