Andrena labialis
This record describes Andrena labialis (species). Recorded family: Andrenidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Forewing 7.5-9mm A dullish, fairly robust Andrena species. Females have buff hairs on the face and legs and a densely punctate thorax and tergites. Males have extensive yellow facial markings. 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’). Grassland or other areas with good populations of legumes such as vetches, clovers and bird's-foot-trefoils. Widespread but local in Southern England. Becoming sparser in the Midlands and into Wales. Few records from Northern England and none from Scotland or Ireland. No additional images available for this species.
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
Grassland or other areas with good populations of legumes such as vetches, clovers and bird's-foot-trefoils.
Seasonal Activity
April to mid-July.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but local in Southern England. Becoming sparser in the Midlands and into Wales. Few records from Northern England and none from Scotland or Ireland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Andrena labialis. 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 labialis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Andrena labialis
What is Andrena labialis?
Andrena labialis is a species in the family Andrenidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Andrena labialis found?
Habitat: Grassland or other areas with good populations of legumes such as vetches, clovers and bird's-foot-trefoils.
When is Andrena labialis active?
Andrena labialis: seasonal activity - April to mid-July..