Andrena sphaeralceae

Linsley, 1939

Globemallow Andrena

Andrena sphaeralceae, commonly known as the Globemallow Andrena, is a of mining bee in the Andrenidae. It is a solitary that excavates underground nests in soil. The species is found in North America and Central America. As a member of the large Andrena, it contributes to spring pollination of wildflowers. The specific epithet 'sphaeralceae' suggests a likely association with plants in the genus Sphaeralcea (globemallows), though this relationship requires confirmation.

Andrena sphaeralceae by (c) Benjamin Burgunder, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Benjamin Burgunder. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Andrena sphaeralceae: /ænˈdriːnə sfɪəˈrælsiːiː/

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Habitat

As a ground-nesting mining bee, requires bare or sparsely vegetated soil for nest excavation. Warm, dry, south-facing slopes with exposed soil are preferred nesting sites. Foraging includes areas with suitable pollen sources.

Distribution

Recorded from North America and Central America. Distribution records indicate presence in both regions, though specific range boundaries within these areas are not well documented.

Host Associations

Sphaeralcea - probable pollen sourceSpecific epithet suggests association with globemallow , but this requires verification

Life Cycle

As a solitary mining bee (Andrenidae), females excavate individual underground tunnels with multiple . Each cell is provisioned with pollen and nectar, an is laid, and the cell is sealed. Larvae develop underground, pupate, and emerge as the following season. Males typically emerge before females.

Behavior

Nests solitarily in where suitable soil conditions exist. Females excavate tunnels and provision with pollen collections. Males patrol nesting areas seeking emerging females.

Ecological Role

of spring-blooming wildflowers. Contributes to pollen transfer for plant in its . Serves as for cleptoparasitic bees (Nomada ) and possibly other .

Similar Taxa

Other Andrena speciesLarge with many similar-sized mining bees; identification to level requires examination of morphological details including facial foveae, scopal hairs, and male genitalia
Andrena tarsataAnother mining bee with plant-associated specific epithet; however, A. tarsata is associated with Potentilla (Tormentil) rather than Sphaeralcea

More Details

Nomenclature

The specific epithet 'sphaeralceae' (genitive of Sphaeralcea) was established by Linsley in 1939, indicating the was described with reference to globemallow plants. This follows a common pattern in Andrena where species are named for their presumed plants.

Conservation context

Like many solitary bees, likely benefits from management that maintains bare ground patches and reduces vegetation encroachment on nesting sites. The ' beach' management approach described for other Andrena may be applicable.