Mining Bees

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Andreninae: /ænˈdɹɛ.nəˌniː/

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Summary

The subfamily Andreninae, known as mining bees, comprises over 1,500 species primarily within the genus Andrena. They are notable for their velvety facial foveae and generally occupy a range of habitats with significant diversity in the Old World. The majority of species have little to no yellow markings aside from facial areas in males.

Physical Characteristics

Females of the genera Ancylandrena, Andrena, and Megandrena possess broad, velvety depressions called 'facial foveae' on their faces, located between the eyes and the antennae.

Identification Tips

Apex of marginal cell pointed or narrowly rounded on the costal margin of the wing; usually three submarginal cells. Males usually have yellow markings on the face.

Habitat

Desert regions, with specific occurrences in southwestern North America, such as Nevada, California, Arizona, Sonora, and Baja California, alongside a few species in various other habitats worldwide.

Distribution

Mostly Holarctic; significant diversity in the Old World.

Diet

Nectar and pollen from flowering plants.

Life Cycle

N/A

Reproduction

N/A

Predators

N/A

Conservation Status

N/A

Ecosystem Role

Pollinators of flowering plants, contributing to plant reproduction.

Economic Impact

Potentially beneficial as pollinators in agricultural contexts, although not extensively studied.

Cultural Significance

N/A

Health Concerns

N/A

Evolution

Broad lineage with most diversity concentrated in the genus Andrena; includes multiple genera with varying species counts.

Similar Taxa

• Panurginae
• Melitoma

Misconceptions

Some species are thought to have distinctive yellow markings, when in fact this is limited primarily to males and only on the face.

Tags

• Andreninae
• Mining Bees
• Andrena
• Bee Diversity
• Pollinators
• Hymenoptera