Andrena

bee genus

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

The genus Andrena belongs to the family Andrenidae, commonly known as mining bees. These are solitary bees, meaning each female excavates her own tunnels in the soil to create individual cells for her eggs. These cells are provisioned with pollen and nectar, serving as food for the developing larvae.12

Many Andrena species are medium-sized with reddish-golden hair and prominent abdomens. They are considered important pollinators for various plants. While their tongues are relatively short and adapted for specific nectar sources, they play a crucial role in plant reproduction. There can be one or two generations of these bees per year.13

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mining bee
(order Hymenoptera), particularly the genus Andrena. Many species are medium-sized bees with reddish-golden hair and long, prominent abdomens. Females excavate tunnels in the soil that branch off to individual cells that the female stocks with pollen balls and nectar, on which she lays her eggs. There may be one or…
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(order Hymenoptera), particularly the genus Andrena. Many species are medium-sized bees with reddish-golden hair and long, prominent abdomens. Females excavate tunnels in the soil that branch off to individual cells that the female stocks with pollen balls and nectar, on which she lays her eggs. There may be one or…
Read More

orchid
Sexual deception
Those orchids pollinated by Andrena appear, for the most part, to stimulate the bee to reverse its position and copulate with the base of the lip. In the former group the pollinarium is affixed to the head of the pollinator, while in the latter it is attached to the…
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Those orchids pollinated by Andrena appear, for the most part, to stimulate the bee to reverse its position and copulate with the base of the lip. In the former group the pollinarium is affixed to the head of the pollinator, while in the latter it is attached to the…
Read More