Beautiful Plants For Your Interior
Buffish Mining Bee
Scientific Name: Andrena nigroaenea
Species: Bee (Bee – Solitary)
The Buffish Mining Bee, scientifically known as Andrena nigroaenea, is a solitary bee species found in various parts of Europe and North America, it is also known as the Wilke’s Mining Bee
Conservation Status:
The conservation status of the Buffish Mining Bee is not well-documented, it is common and fairly widespread in Britain. but it is considered to be fairly frequent in certain regions.
About:
The Buffish Mining Bee (Andrena nigroaenea) is a fascinating solitary bee species known for its distinctive appearance and solitary behaviour. These bees play a crucial role in pollination and contribute to the ecological balance of their habitat, particularly for legumes like ‘clover’ and ‘vetch’.
How to Identify:
The Buffish Mining Bee (Andrena nigroaenea) can be identified by its medium size, distinctive buffish colouration, and specific characteristics such as the short hair on the thorax and orangish hairs on the hind tibia.
Look for a medium-sized bee (10-12mm) with dense ginger fur and orange pollen ‘brushes’ on the hind legs. Females have broken white bands on the black abdomen.
Nesting:
The Buffish Mining Bee (Andrena nigroaenea) is a ground-nesting species, often creating nests in sandy, short turf or loamy soils. The female bees construct individual nest burrows where they lay their eggs and provide provisions for their larvae.
When to See:
To observe the Buffish Mining Bee (Andrena nigroaenea), one can visit their habitats where these solitary bees are known to forage and nest from late May to July.
Distribution:
Buffish Mining Bee (Andrena nigroaenea) is found throughout England and Wales, with some localised populations in Leicestershire and Rutland.
Habitats:
The Buffish Mining Bee (Andrena nigroaenea) can be found in a variety of habitats, including urban locations, heathlands, coastal dunes, and brownfield sites (land that is abandoned or underutilised) as long as there are open and sunny areas with suitable flowers for feeding.
Did You Know Fact:
The Buffish Mining Bee is an excellent digger, using its strong mandibles to create underground burrows and an excellent early indicator of spring!