Ground-nesting
Guides
Agapostemon
Striped Sweat Bees, Metallic Green Sweat Bees
Agapostemon is a genus of sweat bees (Halictidae) comprising approximately 42 species distributed across the Western Hemisphere from Canada to Argentina. Most species exhibit metallic green or blue coloration, particularly on the head and thorax. Unlike many other sweat bees in the family, Agapostemon species are not attracted to human sweat. The genus includes both solitary and communal species, with all species nesting in the ground. Some species, such as A. virescens, form communal aggregations where multiple females share a common nest entrance while maintaining separate brood cells.
Agapostemon texanus
metallic green sweat bee, Texas striped sweat bee
Agapostemon texanus is a ground-nesting sweat bee with the widest geographic range of any species in its genus, spanning from southern Canada to Costa Rica. Both sexes exhibit metallic blue-green coloration on the head and thorax, while males display distinctive black and yellow abdominal banding. The species is exclusively solitary, differing from other Agapostemon that may form communal nests. It is a generalist forager active from March through October, transporting pollen on its hind legs.
Agapostemon virescens
Bicolored Striped Sweat Bee, bicolored striped-sweat bee
Agapostemon virescens, commonly known as the bicolored striped sweat bee, is a metallic green halictid bee native to North America. It is the official bee of Toronto, Canada. Females nest underground, often forming aggregations where multiple females share a single burrow entrance, though the species is considered solitary rather than truly social. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration and is a generalist pollinator frequently observed on flowers.
Agenioideus humilis
Spider Wasp
Agenioideus humilis is a small spider wasp in the family Pompilidae that hunts orbweaver spiders (Araneidae) as prey for its larvae. Females paralyze spiders with their sting, then transport them to nest burrows where a single egg is laid on the immobilized host. The species ranges across most of the United States but is considered scarce throughout its distribution. It favors woodland habitats with sandy soil and has been observed nesting in both excavated burrows and pre-existing cavities such as rock crevices and building cracks.
Ammophila
Thread-waisted Sand Wasps
Ammophila is a large, cosmopolitan genus of solitary hunting wasps in the family Sphecidae, comprising over 200 species distributed across warmer regions of all continents except Antarctica. These thread-waisted wasps are characterized by their elongated, slender petiole connecting the thorax and abdomen, and their distinctive nesting behavior involving burrow excavation and caterpillar provisioning. Females construct underground nests in sandy or compact soils, paralyze caterpillars with their sting, and provide this food source for their developing larvae. The genus serves as a host for Strepsiptera endoparasites and is subject to nest parasitism by satellite flies and other organisms.
Ammophila azteca
Aztec Thread-waisted Wasp
Ammophila azteca is a thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, native to Canada, Mexico, and the continental United States. It ranges from near sea level to over 6,000 feet in elevation. The species exhibits distinctive nesting behavior involving pebble-mediated burrow closures and progressive provisioning of caterpillar prey for its larvae.
Ammophila formicoides
Ammophila formicoides is a thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, notable for its ant-mimicking appearance and behavior. It is closely related to A. wrightii, with which it forms a distinct species pair characterized by reddish-brown coloration, small size (under 20 mm), and ground-crawling habits that resemble harvester ants. The species exhibits a primitive behavioral trait: excavating the nest burrow after prey collection rather than before. Females provision nests exclusively with inchworm caterpillars (Geometridae).
Ammophila wrightii
thread-waisted wasp, caterpillar hunter
Ammophila wrightii is a species of thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, notable for its ant-mimicking appearance and behavior. It is one of the smaller members of its genus, measuring under 20 mm, and exhibits a distinct reddish-brown coloration. The species is known for its unusual nesting behavior among Ammophila wasps: females excavate burrows only after capturing prey, rather than before. It specializes in hunting inchworm caterpillars (Geometridae) to provision its nests.
Ancylandrena
Ancylandrena is a genus of mining bees in the family Andrenidae, established by Cockerell in 1930. The genus contains five described species, all found in North America. One species, Ancylandrena larreae, is commonly known as the creosote bush ancylandrena due to its association with Larrea tridentata. These are solitary bees that nest in the ground.
Ancylandrena koebelei
Ancylandrena koebelei is a solitary bee species in the family Andrenidae, originally described as Megandrena koebelei by Timberlake in 1951. It is currently placed in the genus Ancylandrena, a group of mining bees found in North America. The species is poorly known in the literature, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Andrena accepta
Two-spotted Miner Bee
Andrena accepta is a mining bee species in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Two-spotted Miner Bee. It is found in Central America and North America. The species constructs communal nests containing multiple cells and inhabits desert scrub habitat. Its primary host plants for pollen collection belong to the genus Helianthus (sunflowers).
Andrena aliciae
Yellow-faced Miner Bee
Andrena aliciae, known as the Yellow-faced Miner Bee, is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America and belongs to a large genus of ground-nesting bees that are important spring pollinators. Like other Andrena species, it excavates tunnels in soil to create nests provisioned with pollen for its larvae.
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 anisochlora
Miner's Lettuce Miner
Andrena anisochlora is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Cockerell in 1936. Like other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to create nest cells provisioned with pollen for its larvae. The common name "Miner's Lettuce Miner" suggests a likely association with Claytonia perfoliata (miner's lettuce) as a pollen or nectar source. It is part of the diverse Andrena genus, which contains over 1,500 species worldwide and represents one of the most speciose bee genera in North America.
Andrena argemonis
Prickly-poppy Mining Bee, prickly-poppy andrena
Andrena argemonis, commonly known as the Prickly-poppy Mining Bee, is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is a ground-nesting species, like other members of the genus Andrena. The species is found in Central America and North America. The common name suggests a likely association with prickly poppy plants (Argemone species), though specific ecological relationships have not been documented in the available sources.
Andrena auricoma
Golden-haired Miner Bee
Andrena auricoma, the Golden-haired Miner Bee, is a small solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae. Females measure 8–10 mm in length, while males are smaller at 6–9 mm. The species is native to the western United States, with its distribution centered in California and relative rarity outside this state. It is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil for reproduction.
Andrena banksi
Banks' Mining Bee, Banks' Andrena
Andrena banksi is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. The species was described by Malloch in 1917 and is commonly known as Banks' Mining Bee or Banks' Andrena. Like other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates burrows in soil. The species is part of a large genus of mining bees that are important spring pollinators in temperate forests and open habitats.
Andrena barbilabris
Bearded Miner Bee, Long-lipped Miner, Sandpit Mining Bee
A solitary mining bee with a Holarctic distribution, found across Europe, northern Asia, and North America. Females excavate nesting burrows in sandy soils, provisioning cells with pollen and nectar before laying single eggs. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration and is active from early spring through mid-summer.
Andrena bisalicis
Eastern Willow Miner Bee
Andrena bisalicis, commonly known as the Eastern Willow Miner Bee, is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America, with documented presence in the northeastern United States including Vermont. As a member of the genus Andrena, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to provision offspring with pollen. The species is poorly studied, with limited ecological data available beyond basic taxonomic and distributional records.
Andrena bradleyi
Bradley's Mining Bee, Bradley's Andrena
Andrena bradleyi is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as Bradley's Mining Bee or Bradley's Andrena. It is a ground-nesting bee native to North America. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the typical traits of mining bees: excavating tunnels in soil to create nest cells provisioned with pollen and nectar for its larvae. The species was described by Viereck in 1907.
Andrena brevipalpis
Short-palped Miner, short-tongued miner bee
Andrena brevipalpis is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae, described by Cockerell in 1930. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Vermont and broader North American distribution. The species is an oligolectic specialist, collecting pollen exclusively from Rhus (sumac) flowers. Like other Andrena species, it nests in the ground and is active during spring.
Andrena candida
mock-orange miner bee, Bright Miner
Andrena candida, commonly known as the mock-orange miner bee or Bright Miner, is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is distributed across North America and Central America. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the typical ground-nesting behavior characteristic of mining bees, though specific biological details for this species remain limited in available literature.
Andrena cerasifolii
Cherry Leaf Miner Bee, Cherry Plum Miner Bee
Andrena cerasifolii, commonly known as the Cherry Leaf Miner Bee or Cherry Plum Miner Bee, is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It is found in Central America and North America. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the typical traits of mining bees: ground-nesting behavior and solitary reproduction without colonial structure.
Andrena cerebrata
Andrena cerebrata is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Mitchell in 1960. Like other Andrena species, it is a solitary, ground-nesting bee. The species is known from North America. As a member of this large genus of mining bees, it likely exhibits the typical Andrena biology of females excavating burrows in soil to provision with pollen for their larvae, though specific details for this species remain poorly documented.
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 cleodora melanodora
Andrena cleodora melanodora is a subspecies of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Cockerell in 1932. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it is a solitary, ground-nesting bee. The subspecies is part of the nominate species Andrena cleodora, which belongs to a diverse group of early-spring flying bees that nest in soil and provision their larvae with pollen. No specific ecological studies or detailed biological observations have been published for this particular subspecies.
Andrena cornelli
Azalea Mining Bee, azalea miner
Andrena cornelli is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Azalea Mining Bee. It is the only known bee species that is oligolectic on azalea (Rhododendron spp.), meaning it exclusively collects pollen from this plant genus. The species possesses widely spaced scopa hairs on its hind legs, an adaptation that allows it to carry the distinctive sticky pollen of azaleas. It is found in North America and is of ecological interest due to its highly specialized pollination relationship.
Andrena crataegi
Hawthorn Mining Bee, Hawthorn Andrena
Andrena crataegi is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It is found in North America. As a member of the genus Andrena, it nests in the ground and is active in spring. The specific epithet 'crataegi' refers to hawthorn (Crataegus), suggesting a likely association with this plant genus for foraging.
Andrena cressonii
Cresson's Mining Bee, Cresson's Andrena, Dotted Miner Bee
Andrena cressonii, commonly known as Cresson's Mining Bee or the Dotted Miner Bee, is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from the United States including Vermont. The species was first described by Robertson in 1891 and includes three recognized subspecies. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it shares the characteristic ground-nesting behavior typical of mining bees, though specific ecological details for this particular species remain limited in available literature.
Andrena cressonii kansensis
Andrena cressonii kansensis is a subspecies of mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It was described by Cockerell in 1899. As a member of the genus Andrena, it is a solitary, ground-nesting bee. The subspecies is known from North America, with records from Vermont.
Andrena cuneilabris
Wedgy-lipped Miner Bee
Andrena cuneilabris is a species of solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Wedgy-lipped Miner Bee. It was described by Viereck in 1926 and is native to North America. Like other members of the genus Andrena, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to provision its offspring with pollen.
Andrena distans
Distant Miner Bee, Cranesbill Miner
Andrena distans is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America, with records from Vermont and broader North American distribution. The species is commonly associated with Geranium maculatum (wild geranium) flowers, which has earned it the common name 'Cranesbill Miner.' As a ground-nesting solitary bee, it excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and nectar for its larvae.
Andrena dunningi
Dunning's Miner Bee, Dunning's Miner
Andrena dunningi is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. Like other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and lay eggs. As a spring-flying bee, it contributes to early-season pollination. The species is one of many Andrena bees that form a significant component of native bee diversity in temperate North American habitats.
Andrena erigeniae
Spring Beauty Miner Bee, Spring Beauty Andrena
Andrena erigeniae is a solitary mining bee native to North America, commonly known as the Spring Beauty Miner Bee. The species is univoltine, with adults active in spring. Females excavate underground burrows in clay soil, constructing nests with multiple cells provisioned with pollen and nectar. The species exhibits specialized foraging behavior associated with spring-blooming plants.
Andrena erythrogaster
Red-tailed Mining Bee, red-tailed andrena, red-bellied miner bee
Andrena erythrogaster is a solitary mining bee native to North America. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the typical ground-nesting behavior characteristic of mining bees. The species is distinguished by its reddish abdominal coloration, reflected in both its scientific and common names. Like other Andrena species, it is a spring-active pollinator that nests in excavated burrows in soil.
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 forbesii
Forbes' Mining Bee, Forbes's Miner Bee, Forbes' Andrena
Andrena forbesii is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. Like other members of its genus, it nests in underground burrows excavated in soil. The species was described by Robertson in 1891. Available information on this species is limited compared to better-studied Andrena species.
Andrena fragilis
Fragile Miner Bee, Fragile Dogwood Andrena
Andrena fragilis is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. The species belongs to a large genus of ground-nesting bees that excavate tunnels in soil to provision their larvae with pollen. Like other Andrena species, it is active in spring and contributes to pollination of early-flowering plants.
Andrena frigida
Frigid Mining Bee, Cold Miner Bee, Frigid Miner
Andrena frigida is a solitary mining bee native to North America, first described by Frederick Smith in 1853. As a member of the family Andrenidae, it is a ground-nesting species that excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and nectar for its larvae. The species epithet 'frigida' (Latin for 'cold') suggests association with cooler conditions or early-season activity, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Andrena fuscicauda
Brown-tailed Miner Bee, Dark-tailed Mining Bee, Dark-tailed Andrena
Andrena fuscicauda is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, characterized by its brown or dark-colored tail. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the typical traits of mining bees: ground-nesting behavior, solitary reproduction, and spring activity. The species is known from North America, though detailed ecological studies specific to this species remain limited.
Andrena geranii
Geranium Miner Bee, Geranium Andrena
Andrena geranii is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. It is commonly known as the Geranium Miner Bee or Geranium Andrena, names reflecting its documented association with geranium plants (Pelargonium and Geranium species). Like other members of the genus Andrena, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and nectar for its larvae. The species is part of the diverse Andrena fauna of eastern North America, though detailed ecological studies specific to this species remain limited.
Andrena helianthi
Sunflower Mining Bee, Sunflower Andrena
Andrena helianthi is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Sunflower Mining Bee or Sunflower Andrena. It is native to North America and belongs to the large genus Andrena, which contains over 1,500 species of ground-nesting bees. As a member of this genus, it likely exhibits typical Andrena biology including fossorial nesting in soil and provisioning of nest cells with pollen. The specific epithet 'helianthi' suggests a possible association with sunflowers (Helianthus), though this host relationship requires confirmation.
Andrena hippotes
Hippotes's Miner Bee, Orange-legged Miner Bee
Andrena hippotes is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as Hippotes's Miner Bee or Orange-legged Miner Bee. As a member of the genus Andrena, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in bare soil for nesting. The species is found in North America, with records from Vermont and other regions. Like other Andrena species, it is likely active in spring and plays a role in pollination of early-flowering plants.
Andrena hirticincta
Hairy-banded Mining Bee, Hairy-belted Miner Bee, Hairy-banded Andrena
Andrena hirticincta is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Hairy-banded Mining Bee. The species is found in North America and belongs to a large genus of ground-nesting bees that provision underground burrows with pollen for their larvae. Like other Andrena species, it is a spring-flying bee that contributes to early-season pollination.
Andrena imitatrix
Imitator Miner Bee
Andrena imitatrix is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Cresson in 1872. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Vermont and broader distribution across the continent. Like other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to provision its young with pollen. The species is part of the diverse genus Andrena, which contains over 1,400 species of mining bees worldwide.
Andrena impolita
Unpolished Mining Bee, unpolished miner
Andrena impolita is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by LaBerge in 1987. The species is known from Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Andrena, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to create nest cells provisioned with pollen for its larvae. The common name "unpolished miner" refers to the relatively dull or unpolished appearance of the integument compared to some related species.
Andrena integra
Bare Dogwood Miner, short-haired dogwood andrena
Andrena integra is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Bare Dogwood Miner or short-haired dogwood andrena. It is native to North America and has been documented in the northeastern United States, including Vermont. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits typical traits of mining bees: solitary nesting behavior, ground-nesting habits, and role as a pollinator. The species is distinguished by its association with dogwood (Cornus) plants, as suggested by its common name.
Andrena krigiana
Dwarf-dandelion Mining Bee, dwarf-dandelion andrena
Andrena krigiana is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Dwarf-dandelion Mining Bee. It is a ground-nesting species found in North America. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the typical traits of mining bees: females excavate burrows in soil to provision with pollen and nectar for their larvae. The specific epithet and common name suggest an association with dwarf-dandelion (Krigia species), likely indicating a pollen specialization.
Andrena livida
Andrena livida is a mining bee species in the family Andrenidae, described by LaBerge in 1977. It is known from Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Andrena, it is a solitary, ground-nesting bee. Specific details about its biology, host plants, and habitat preferences remain poorly documented in available sources.
Andrena malacothricidis
Desert-dandelion Mining Bee, Desert-dandelion Andrena
Andrena malacothricidis is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Thorp in 1969. The species is commonly known as the Desert-dandelion Mining Bee, reflecting its association with plants in the genus Malacothrix. It is found in Central America and North America. Like other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil for nesting.