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Grey Mining Bee (Andrena vaga)

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description Grey Mining Bee (Andrena vaga) Overview

The Grey Mining Bee (Andrena vaga) is a solitary insect belonging to the Andrenidae family. It is easily recognized by its striking, dense grey hair and early spring emergence, making it one of the first bees to appear as temperatures rise. The species is a pollen specialist, or oligolege, that relies heavily on the pollen of willow trees to provision its nests. Females dig their nesting burrows in sandy or loose soil, often forming large, dense aggregations.

help Grey Mining Bee (Andrena vaga) FAQ

When does the grey mining bee emerge in spring?

The grey mining bee (Andrena vaga) is one of the first bee species to appear as temperatures rise in early spring. Its early emergence makes it an important pollinator of early-blooming flowers and willows.

What does the grey mining bee look like?

Andrena vaga is easily recognized by its striking, dense grey hair covering its body. This distinctive appearance helps separate it from other mining bee species in the Andrenidae family.

What does it mean that the grey mining bee is a pollen specialist?

The grey mining bee is oligolectic, meaning it forages for pollen from a restricted range of plants, typically focusing on willow (Salix) species. This specialization makes it dependent on the presence of its host plants for successful reproduction.

How does the grey mining bee dig its nests?

As a member of the Andrenidae family, the grey mining bee excavates nesting tunnels in the ground, often in sandy or loose soil. These solitary bees are often seen nesting in aggregations where many females dig burrows close together.

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