description Andrena erigeniae Overview
Andrena erigeniae is a species of solitary mining bee native to North America, first described by Charles Robertson in 1891. The bee is oligolectic, meaning it forages primarily from flowers of spring beauty plants in the genus Claytonia. Like other Andrena species, it nests in the ground and is active during the spring flowering season.
help Andrena erigeniae FAQ
What is unique about the foraging habits of the Andrena erigeniae bee?
Andrena erigeniae is a North American mining bee that is strictly oligolectic, meaning it specializes in foraging on spring beauty flowers. It relies almost entirely on the pollen from plants in the genus Claytonia to feed its young.
When was the bee Andrena erigeniae first described?
The species was officially described by the entomologist Robertson in the year 1891. It has been recognized for over a century as a specialized pollinator native to North America.
What type of nesting behavior does Andrena erigeniae exhibit?
As a member of the Andrena genus, it is classified as a mining bee. This means the female bees excavate their nests deep into the ground, rather than using pre-existing cavities or building hives.
What specific flowers does the Andrena erigeniae pollinate?
This specific bee pollinates spring beauty flowers, which belong to the genus Claytonia. Because of its evolutionary specialization, it is one of the primary pollinators for these delicate spring-blooming plants.
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