Andrena wilkella

(Kirby, 1802)

Wilke's Mining Bee, Wilke's Mining-bee

Andrena wilkella is a solitary mining bee in the Andrenidae. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America, possibly via ship ballast. It is active from April to August and nests both singly and in . The shows strong pollen specialization on Fabaceae, particularly clover and sweet clover.

Andrena wilkella f by

This image is created by user Dick Belgers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands.
. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Andrena wilkella male by USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory. Used under a Public domain license.

Andrena wilkella f2 by USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Andrena wilkella: /ænˈdriːnə wɪlˈkɛlə/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Andrena by its association with Fabaceae pollen sources and its period from late May onward. The Blunt-jawed Nomad Bee (Nomada striata) is a known kleptoparasite, so its presence may indicate A. wilkella nesting nearby. Precise identification requires examination of microscopic features not covered in available sources.

Images

Appearance

Female body length 10–12 mm; male body length 9–11 mm. As a member of the Andrena, it has the typical mining bee with a moderately robust body, hairy , and scopae (pollen-collecting hairs) on the hind legs of females. Specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Requires warm, dry, bare soil for nesting. Nests in open, sparsely vegetated ground including compacted bare ground on paths and banks. Found in grasslands, heathlands, and other open with suitable nesting substrate and Fabaceae plants.

Distribution

Native to Europe; introduced to North America with established . GBIF records indicate presence also in Africa and Southern Asia, though these may represent additional introductions or misidentifications.

Seasonality

activity from April to August; in the UK, specifically noted from late May following the Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria).

Diet

Strongly oligolectic on Fabaceae, preferentially collecting pollen from clover (Trifolium) and sweet clover (Melilotus). Nectar sources not specifically documented.

Host Associations

Fabaceae - pollen sourceStrong preference for clover and sweet clover

Life Cycle

Solitary with . Females excavate underground tunnels, provision with Fabaceae pollen and nectar, lay , and seal cells with soil. Larvae develop in dry, warm conditions. emerge the following spring. Nests may be constructed singly or in .

Behavior

Nests both solitarily and in . Females actively provision nest with pollen; males emerge earlier and patrol nesting areas seeking mates.

Ecological Role

of Fabaceae, particularly clover . Serves as for kleptoparasitic bees including the Blunt-jawed Nomad Bee (Nomada striata). Contributes to soil turnover through nesting excavation.

Human Relevance

Introduced to North America, where it has become established. Its preference for clover pollen may contribute to pollination of agricultural forage crops. Bare ground requirements bring it into conflict with management practices that promote dense vegetation.

Similar Taxa

Andrena cinerariaSimilar size and nesting habits; distinguished by earlier period (early May) and panda-like black-and-white coloration
Andrena nigroaeneaSimilar size and ground-nesting ; distinguished by earlier (mid-April) and buffish coloration
Andrena barbilabrisSimilar ground-nesting habits; distinguished by preference for sandy substrates and different period