Andrena prunorum

Cockerell, 1896

Prunus Miner Bee, Purple Miner Bee

Andrena prunorum is a solitary mining in the subgenus Plastandrena, found across North and Central America. It is a spring-flying that nests in the ground, with females constructing individual burrows containing multiple . The species has been observed to prefer pollen from Rosaceae plants, including fruit trees.

Andrena prunorum gillettei by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Andrena prunorum gohrmanae by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Andrena prunorum gohrmanae by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Andrena prunorum: /ænˈdriːnə pruːˈnoʊrəm/

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Identification

Andrena prunorum is placed in subgenus Plastandrena. Specific diagnostic features distinguishing it from other Andrena are not documented in available sources; identification to species level in this requires specialized examination.

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Habitat

Ground-nesting in soil; observed in grasslands containing vernal pools and areas with suitable soil substrate for excavation.

Distribution

North America and Central America; specifically documented from Washington State and widespread across the continental United States.

Seasonality

Spring-flying; active when flowers are blooming.

Diet

Collects pollen and nectar; has been observed to prefer pollen from Rosaceae plants and will pollinate fruit trees when available.

Life Cycle

Females dig tunnels straight into the ground for a few inches, then excavate side tunnels ending in chambers approximately 1 cm wide and 2 cm tall. Chambers are coated with a waxy substance, then provisioned with a pollen-nectar ball 6–8 mm across. A single is deposited per chamber, which is then sealed. consume the pollen ball, into in autumn, and overwinter as before emerging the following spring. Females construct 8–10 chambers per nest.

Behavior

Solitary nesting with no division of labor; each female constructs and provisions her own nest. Females perform orientation in a rough figure-eight pattern when locating nests. Males areas near cultivated fruit trees before and after bloom to locate receptive females.

Ecological Role

of spring-blooming plants, particularly Rosaceae .

Human Relevance

May contribute to of cultivated fruit trees.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Andrena speciesAndrena is a large with many morphologically similar mining ; A. prunorum is not readily identifiable without specialized examination.

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Sources and further reading