description Andrena fuscipes Overview
Andrena fuscipes is a Palearctic species of mining bee described by William Kirby in 1802. Like other members of the genus Andrena, it is a solitary ground-nesting bee. This species is notably oligolectic, meaning it forages primarily on a specific type of plant; in this case, it has a close association with heathers, particularly those in the genus Calluna. It plays a localized role in the pollination of heathland ecosystems across its geographic range.
help Andrena fuscipes FAQ
What type of insect is Andrena fuscipes?
Andrena fuscipes is a species of mining bee native to the Palearctic region, including parts of Europe and the UK. It was first formally described by the entomologist William Kirby in 1802.
What kind of habitat does the Andrena fuscipes bee prefer?
This specific mining bee is heavily associated with dry heathland environments. It relies almost entirely on the nectar and pollen of heathers in the genus Calluna to feed itself and its young.
Why is Andrena fuscipes called a 'mining' bee?
Like other bees in the genus Andrena, the female fuscipes digs tunnels in sandy or loose soil to create her nest. These ground nests are where she lays her eggs and provisions them with food for the developing larvae.
Is Andrena fuscipes a solitary or social bee?
It is a solitary bee, meaning it does not live in hives with a queen and worker castes like honeybees. However, females will often build their individual nesting tunnels close together in large aggregations on favorable patches of heathland.
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