Andrena candida
This record describes Andrena candida (species). Recorded family: Andrenidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Andrenidae (Miner, Fairy, Allied Panurgine, and Oxaeine Bees)
- Subfamily
- Andreninae
- Genus
- Andrena
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w.US to NE & LA ( map )
Seasonal Activity
Emerges in very early spring, active for ~3 weeks, then disappear; 2nd brood emerge ~a month later
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Andrena candida Smith 1879
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Andrena candida. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Andrena candida (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Nathaniel Green; Additional contributions by v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Andrena candida
How big is Andrena candida?
♀ 8‒10 mm, ♂ 6‒9 mm
Where is Andrena candida found?
Range: w.US to NE & LA ( map )
When is Andrena candida active?
Andrena candida: seasonal activity - Emerges in very early spring, active for ~3 weeks, then disappear; 2nd brood emerge ~a month later.