Andrena cornelli

Viereck, 1907

Azalea Mining Bee, azalea miner

Andrena cornelli is a solitary mining bee in the Andrenidae, commonly known as the Azalea Mining Bee. It is the only known that is oligolectic on azalea (Rhododendron spp.), meaning it exclusively collects pollen from this plant . The species possesses widely spaced scopa hairs on its hind legs, an that allows it to carry the distinctive sticky pollen of azaleas. It is found in North America and is of ecological interest due to its highly specialized pollination relationship.

Andrena cornelli. 1 by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Andrena cornelli. 2 by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Andrena cornelli, F, Back, VA, Gales County 2014-01-24-18.22.19 ZS PMax (13043045053) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Andrena cornelli: /ænˈdriːnə kɔrˈnɛlaɪ/

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Identification

The Azalea Mining Bee can be distinguished from other Andrena by its widely spaced scopa hairs, a morphological for carrying azalea pollen. This trait is unique among bees and serves as a key diagnostic feature. Identification to species level requires examination of scopal hair and spacing, as well as association with Rhododendron plants during foraging.

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Habitat

containing azalea (Rhododendron spp.) plants, which serve as the exclusive pollen source. As a ground-nesting mining bee, it requires bare or sparsely vegetated soil for nest excavation.

Distribution

North America. Distribution records include the United States, with confirmed presence in Vermont.

Diet

Oligolectic on azalea (Rhododendron spp.); exclusively collects pollen from this plant . Nectar sources are not specified in available sources.

Host Associations

  • Rhododendron - pollen exclusive pollen source; oligolectic relationship

Behavior

Nests in the ground by excavating tunnels, typical of mining bees. Females provision nest with azalea pollen and nectar for larval development.

Ecological Role

Specialized of azalea (Rhododendron spp.). The ' unique scopal hair enables effective pollen collection and transfer for this plant , suggesting a coevolved mutualism.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Andrena speciesMost Andrena are polylectic with dense, closely spaced scopa hairs. A. cornelli is distinguished by widely spaced scopa hairs and exclusive association with Rhododendron.

More Details

Morphological specialization

The widely spaced scopa hairs represent a rare example of morphological to a specific pollen type among bees. Azalea pollen is sticky and requires this modified structure for effective transport.

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Sources and further reading