Andrena erythronii

Robertson, 1891

Trout-lily Mining Bee, Trout Lily Bee, Trout-lily Andrena

Andrena erythronii is a solitary mining bee native to eastern North America. It is strongly associated with trout lilies (Erythronium), earning its . Females measure 11–14 mm, males 9–11 mm. The has been documented visiting additional spring ephemeral wildflowers and early-flowering trees and shrubs.

Andrena erythronii 195463431 by raffib128. Used under a CC0 license.

Andrena erythronii 195161874 by raffib128. Used under a CC0 license.

Andrena erythronii 195463399 by raffib128. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Andrena erythronii: /ænˈdriːnə ɛrɪˈθroʊnaɪ/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other Andrena primarily by its strong phenological and ecological association with trout lily (Erythronium) flowers in early spring. Size range (9–14 mm) overlaps with many ; precise identification likely requires examination of subtle morphological features such as facial fovea structure, clypeal punctation, and genitalia. The reflects this association rather than unique visual characteristics.

Images

Appearance

Females reach 11–14 mm in length; males are smaller at 9–11 mm. As a member of the Andrena, it exhibits the typical mining bee : robust, hairy body with scopae (pollen-collecting hairs) on the hind legs of females. Specific coloration and pattern details are not well documented in available sources.

Habitat

Deciduous forests of eastern North America where trout lilies and other spring ephemerals occur. Requires bare or sparsely vegetated ground for nesting, as is typical for ground-nesting Andrena . Associated with forest understory conditions where spring-blooming herbs are abundant.

Distribution

Eastern North America. Documented from Vermont and broader northeastern United States. GBIF records indicate presence in North America with specific records from Vermont, US.

Seasonality

Active in early spring, coinciding with trout lily bloom period. Has been observed visiting flowers of spring ephemerals including spring beauty (Claytonia), hepatica (Hepatica), and harbinger-of-spring (Erigenia bulbosa), as well as early-flowering shrubs and trees: serviceberry (Amelanchier), plum and cherry (Prunus), and willow (Salix).

Diet

Oligolectic or specialized pollen forager with strong preference for Erythronium (trout lilies); has been observed collecting pollen and nectar from additional spring ephemeral wildflowers and early-flowering woody plants including Claytonia, Hepatica, Erigenia bulbosa, Amelanchier, Prunus, and Salix.

Host Associations

Erythronium - primary pollen/nectar sourceStrong association giving its
Claytonia - pollen/nectar sourcespring ephemeral wildflower
Hepatica - pollen/nectar sourcespring ephemeral wildflower
Erigenia bulbosa - pollen/nectar sourcespring ephemeral wildflower
Amelanchier - pollen/nectar sourceearly-flowering shrub/tree
Prunus - pollen/nectar sourceearly-flowering shrub/tree
Salix - pollen/nectar sourceearly-flowering tree

Life Cycle

Solitary with typical Andrena : females excavate underground nests in bare soil, provision with pollen and nectar, and lay . Larvae develop in sealed cells. Specific details of voltinism and stage are not documented in available sources.

Behavior

Ground-nesting () solitary . Females excavate tunnels in soil and provision individual with pollen and nectar for larval development. Males emerge before females and patrol nesting areas seeking mates.

Ecological Role

Important of spring ephemeral wildflowers in eastern North American deciduous forests, particularly trout lilies (Erythronium). Contributes to early-season pollination services in forest before closure.

Human Relevance

Of interest to pollination ecologists and conservation biologists studying forest and spring ephemeral pollination dynamics. Not known to be of direct economic importance.

Similar Taxa

Other Andrena speciesMany overlap in size and general ; A. erythronii distinguished primarily by phenological timing and strong Erythronium association rather than obvious visual differences.
Other spring-flying mining beesShare and seasonal activity; precise identification requires detailed morphological examination.

More Details

Nesting biology

As a ground-nesting Andrena, requires bare or sparsely vegetated soil for nest excavation. Forest management practices that maintain open understory conditions and prevent dense ground cover may benefit this .

Conservation context

Forest-associated bees like A. erythronii may be sensitive to forest fragmentation and changes in understory composition. The exemplifies the specialized pollination mutualisms between spring ephemerals and early-flying bees in eastern North American forests.