Forest-bee
Guides
Andrena alleghaniensis
Allegheny Mining Bee, Appalachian Miner Bee, Alleghany Andrena
A solitary mining bee native to eastern North America. Nests are simple, typically containing only one or two cells. Adults overwinter in soil, emerging in spring to forage and reproduce. The species is part of the diverse Andrena genus, which contains many spring-flying bees associated with forest and woodland habitats.
Andrena clarkella
Clark's Mining Bee, Clark's Andrena, Clarke's Mining Bee
Andrena clarkella is a solitary mining bee (family Andrenidae) found in Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. It is one of the earliest spring-flying bees, active from March to May. The species is oligolectic, specializing on willow (Salix) pollen. Females nest in bare or sparsely vegetated sandy soils, often in forest clearings and edges.
Andrena erythronii
Trout-lily Mining Bee, Trout Lily Bee, Trout-lily Andrena
Andrena erythronii is a solitary mining bee native to eastern North America. It is strongly associated with trout lilies (Erythronium), earning its common name. Females measure 11–14 mm, males 9–11 mm. The species has been documented visiting additional spring ephemeral wildflowers and early-flowering trees and shrubs.
Andrena rehni
Rehn's Miner Bee
Andrena rehni is a solitary, ground-nesting miner bee native to eastern North America. The species is oligolectic, specializing on pollen from Castanea species including American chestnut and Allegheny chinkapin. Following the functional extinction of American chestnut due to chestnut blight, the bee became increasingly rare and was not documented for nearly a century until its rediscovery in 2018. It has since been recorded in multiple states after long absences.
Osmia pumila
Osmia pumila is a solitary mason bee native to eastern North America. It is strongly associated with forest habitats, where it performs spring pollination of wildflowers and possibly some timber trees. The species nests in pre-existing cavities such as hollow stems or holes in wood, sealing brood chambers with mud. Research indicates it is one of the most common forest-associated bee species in the eastern United States, with populations increasing as forest cover has regrown since the early 1900s.