Azalea Miner Bee
Andrena cornelli
This record describes Andrena cornelli (species). Recorded family: Andrenidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A female Andrena in the eastern United States carrying Rhododendron pollen will very likely prove to be this species. The widely spaced scopal hairs of the hind leg are distinctive.
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
Habitat
Always within flight range of its Azalea (Rhododendron) host plants
Geographic Range
MN - TN - SC Discover Life Global Map
Seasonal Activity
Apr - Aug
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Collects pollen only from Azalea (Rhododendron) species. The only Andrena to do so. The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for the type locality, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. There seem to be no subsequent collections from Ithaca or from anywhere else in Tompkins County (J. S. Ascher, unpublished), but it has been found nearby in the Finger Lakes National Forest in Schuyler County.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Andrena cornelli. 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 Azalea Miner Bee (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Ted Kropiewnicki , hg , PaleoJon , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Azalea Miner Bee
What is Azalea Miner Bee?
Azalea Miner Bee (Andrena cornelli) is a species in the family Andrenidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Azalea Miner Bee?
A female Andrena in the eastern United States carrying Rhododendron pollen will very likely prove to be this species. The widely spaced scopal hairs of the hind leg are distinctive.
Where is Azalea Miner Bee found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Always within flight range of its Azalea (Rhododendron) host plants |
| Range | MN - TN - SC Discover Life Global Map |
What does Azalea Miner Bee eat?
The diet of the Azalea Miner Bee includes Collects pollen only from Azalea (Rhododendron) species. The only Andrena to do so. The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images..
When is Azalea Miner Bee active?
Azalea Miner Bee: seasonal activity - Apr - Aug.