Andrena sola

Viereck, 1917

Lonely Mining Bee, lonely miner

Andrena sola is a solitary mining bee in the Andrenidae, commonly known as the Lonely Mining Bee. It is native to Central America and North America. As a member of the large Andrena, it exhibits the nesting typical of mining bees, constructing underground burrows for . The specific epithet "sola" (Latin for "alone" or "lonely") reflects its solitary nature rather than social behavior.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Andrena sola: /ænˈdriː.nə ˈsoʊ.lə/

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Habitat

As a mining bee, Andrena sola requires suitable substrate for underground nesting. Based on documented of Andrena , it likely nests in bare or sparsely vegetated ground with well-drained soil. The specific soil preferences for this species have not been established.

Distribution

Recorded from Central America and North America. GBIF distribution records confirm presence in Middle America and North America.

Life Cycle

As a solitary , Andrena sola likely follows the typical Andrena : females excavate underground burrows, provision individual with pollen and nectar, lay , and seal cells. Larvae develop within these cells, with emerging in subsequent seasons. Specific timing and details for this are not documented.

Behavior

Exhibits solitary nesting , with females constructing and provisioning individual nests without cooperative colony structure. Males likely emerge before females and patrol nesting areas to mate with emerging females, as observed in related Andrena .

Ecological Role

As a mining bee, Andrena sola contributes to pollination of flowering plants within its range. The specific plant associations for this have not been documented.

More Details

Nomenclature

The specific epithet "sola" (Latin for "alone" or "lonely") refers to the solitary nature of this , not to any rarity or isolation of . This distinguishes it from social bees such as honey bees and bumblebees.

Taxonomic Status

Accepted , described by Viereck in 1917. No are currently recognized.