Andrena fulva (Muller, 1766) Commonly known as Tawny Mining Bee.
Andrena species are Solitary Bees.
Female: length 10mm to 11mm Male: 6.5mm to 9mm.
Flight season: Late March to mid-June.
Common and widespread in England and Wales, scarcer in Ireland and Scotland. Also found in Europe from the Balkan’s to southern Scandinavia.
Nesting sites: Footpaths, south facing grazed hillside’s; well managed flower beds and well-kept lawns in parks and gardens.
The nests are entered via a vertical tunnel 200 to 300mm, (8 to 12 inches) with several brood cells leading off it. Only the females excavate holes in the ground for nesting, she lays one egg in each cell and will raise the brood by collecting pollen for her young to feed on. It is common to see Andrena fulva females nesting close together, this can give the impression of social activity. The larvae hatch within a few days, grows quickly and pupates within a few weeks. The adults emerge in the spring after hibernation. The males play no part in nest building and in helping to raise the young mining bees. The males are smaller and are more brownish in colour.
Flowers visited: Most Spring flowering plants and shrubs including, Hawthorns, Blackthorn, willows, maples, fruit blossom and currants. Following onto buttercup, dandelion, umbellifers and Rape.