Andrena ziziae is a solitary mining bee in the Andrenidae, commonly known as the Golden-Alexanders Mining Bee. It is native to North America and belongs to the large Andrena, which comprises over 1,500 of ground-nesting bees. The species is named for its association with golden alexanders (Zizia aurea), a spring-blooming wildflower in the carrot family. Like other Andrena species, it is a solitary that nests in burrows excavated in soil and plays a role in early-season pollination.

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Distribution

North America; specifically recorded from Vermont, United States. The ' range within North America is not comprehensively documented in available sources.

Seasonality

Spring. The and association with golden alexanders (Zizia aurea), a spring-blooming plant, indicates activity during the spring flowering period.

Host Associations

  • Zizia aurea - pollen sourceThe is named for its association with golden alexanders, a spring-blooming wildflower in the carrot (Apiaceae), indicating likely pollen collection from this plant.

Ecological Role

. As a mining bee active in spring, it likely contributes to pollination of early-blooming wildflowers, including its namesake plant Zizia aurea.

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Sources and further reading