Hawthorn Mining Bee
Andrena chrysosceles
This record describes Andrena chrysosceles (species). Recorded family: Andrenidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Females 6-8mm, males 6-7mm. Females have dull brown thorax, orange hind tibiae and bare abdomen with white bands. Males have partly orange tibiae. There is a ginger tuft at the tip of the abdomen. Most solitary bees and wasps are difficult to identify, and can rarely be identified from photos taken in the field. All red-rated records should include a photo, or set of photos, showing the key characters, which may require the specimen. Please include a face shot, side, top and wings. Note whether male or female, explain how the specimen met the key characters and the key used. We will accept records identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via the BWARS’ Facebook noting the name of the person/organisation identifying the record (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’). Often seen on spring or early summer flowers. More tolerant of heavy clay than most mining bees. Mainly March to July with occasional specimens around October. Spring emerging specimens have over-wintered as adults, but those that emerge later in the year have probably over-wintered as diapausing prepupae.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Andrenidae
- Genus
- Andrena
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often seen on spring or early summer flowers. More tolerant of heavy clay than most mining bees.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly March to July with occasional specimens around October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Spring emerging specimens have over-wintered as adults, but those that emerge later in the year have probably over-wintered as diapausing prepupae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Andrena chrysosceles. 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 Hawthorn Mining Bee (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawthorn Mining Bee
What is Hawthorn Mining Bee?
Hawthorn Mining Bee (Andrena chrysosceles) is a species in the family Andrenidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Hawthorn Mining Bee found?
Habitat: Often seen on spring or early summer flowers. More tolerant of heavy clay than most mining bees.
When is Hawthorn Mining Bee active?
Hawthorn Mining Bee: seasonal activity - Mainly March to July with occasional specimens around October..
What is the life cycle of a Hawthorn Mining Bee?
Spring emerging specimens have over-wintered as adults, but those that emerge later in the year have probably over-wintered as diapausing prepupae.