description Andrena florea Overview
*Andrena florea*, commonly known as the bryony mining bee, is a solitary bee species native to Europe. It is notable for its strict oligolecty, meaning females exclusively forage for pollen from white bryony (*Bryonia dioica*), a climbing poisonous plant. The bee nests in the ground, often digging deep tunnels in sandy or loamy soils to lay its eggs. It is studied by entomologists and ecologists for its highly specialized plant-pollinator relationship.
help Andrena florea FAQ
What is the common name for Andrena florea?
The insect Andrena florea is commonly known as the bryony mining bee. It is native to Europe and belongs to the Andrenidae family of ground-nesting bees.
What plant does the Andrena florea bee feed on?
The females of the species are strictly oligolectic, meaning they exclusively gather pollen from white bryony plants. This specialized diet makes them entirely dependent on the presence of these specific climbing vines.
Where does the bryony mining bee live?
The bryony mining bee is native to various parts of Europe, favoring warm, dry habitats like woodland edges and scrublands. They build their nests by digging tunnels in the ground, often in sandy or loose soils.
When does the Andrena florea fly?
These bees are typically active during the summer months, generally flying from June to August. This flight period aligns perfectly with the blooming season of their sole pollen source, the white bryony plant.
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